17-year-old Joel Medina, who is autistic, was found safe after going missing from his home in Egg Harbor Township, NJ, following a multi-agency search effort.
A 17-year-old boy with autism who went missing from his home in Egg Harbor Township on Friday, March 20, was found safe late Saturday night after an extensive search involving local, state and federal agencies, according to the FBI.
Joel Medina, 17, was last seen wearing shorts and a T-shirt when he disappeared from his home. Egg Harbor Township Police responded, with search and rescue teams from Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and Gloucester counties joining the effort.Authorities said New Jersey State Police and the US Coast Guard used helicopters, while K-9 teams and drone teams searched the area on the ground and from above.By Saturday, March 21, there was still no sign of Joel. Egg Harbor Township Police asked for help from the FBI Newark’s Atlantic City Resident Agency, which requested the FBI Critical Incident Response Group plane to search a heavily wooded nature preserve near Joel’s home.Late Saturday night at 11:57 p.m., pilots spotted Joel curled up next to a tree in the woods, where temperatures had dropped to 35 degrees. Agents reached him at 12:29 a.m. Sunday and began the trek out of the woods.Authorities said the area was filled with animals, mud, downed trees and brush, making the search especially challenging.Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 1:38am, Joel was reunited with his family and checked out by paramedics waiting on scene. The teen is now recovering at home.The search for Joel Medina highlights the importance of coordination between local, state and federal agencies in emergency situations. The FBI Newark said, "Thank you to all the first responders and law enforcement from the local, state and federal agencies who demonstrate why our partnerships save lives."The rescue effort involved multiple people and specialized resources, including helicopters, K-9s and drones.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Woman faces charges in Crete Township triple murder, police sayA 30-year-old woman has been charged with first-degree murder in the shooting deaths of a 32-year-old man and his parents in suburban Crete Township.
Read more »
Township removes post claiming Shapiro was silent over $300K sinkhole billThe West Earl Township is 'disappointed by the lack of response' from Gov. Josh Shapiro's Office as it looks for help covering looming sinkhole costs.
Read more »
Video shows moment officers find missing teen with autism after 36-hour searchAfter a 17-year-old boy with autism went missing on Friday in Egg Harbor Township, police searched relentlessly for him for 36 hours.
Read more »
Cherry Hill Township News: Rezoning, Tax Hike, and MoreCherry Hill Township Council rezoned an office park for potential housing development, with no immediate plans in place. Discussions are ongoing regarding a proposed property tax hike. Other news includes changes to alcohol sales regulations, a road closure due to water main work, a recap of a culinary competition, a new thrift store opening, and a store reopening.
Read more »
Make an egg-citing appearance at IDEA Carver Academy's egg hunt celebrationSAN ANTONIO – Hop into spring at IDEA Carver Academy’s Egg Hunt celebration.The event will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 28 at 701 Nolan St., Dig
Read more »
1-year-old dies after Plain Township house fireCourtney is a digital producer at News 5. She loves all things Cleveland and is a huge sports fan.
Read more »