FBI Rescues Missing Autistic Teen After Two-Day Search in New Jersey Wilderness
FBI agents in Newark, New Jersey, successfully located 17-year-old Joel Medina, an autistic teenager who went missing on Friday and spent nearly two days exposed to near-freezing temperatures in a heavily wooded area. The rescue operation involved a multi-agency response, including local authorities, the Coast Guard, and specialized FBI teams.
Urgent Search and Rescue Operation
Joel Medina, who functions at the level of a six-year-old, vanished near his home, prompting an immediate and extensive search. The Egg Harbor Township Police Department responded, along with search and rescue teams from Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, and Gloucester counties. Drone teams, New Jersey State Police, and U.S. Coast Guard helicopters conducted aerial searches, while K-9 teams worked to track Medina on the ground. Underwater search and rescue teams with divers were similarly deployed to search nearby bodies of water.
FBI Involvement and Technological Assistance
On Saturday morning, local detectives requested assistance from the FBI. Agents conducted a thorough neighborhood canvass for surveillance footage, searched the area surrounding Medina’s home, and initiated a grid search of the nearby woods. They also interviewed individuals with turkey hunting licenses to locate potential trail camera footage.
The FBI utilized an aviation team equipped with forward-looking infrared (FLIR) technology to locate Medina. An FBI plane began a grid search of the area at approximately 9:30 p.m. Local time and identified a potential point of interest after three hours.
Successful Rescue and Praised Coordination
Agents navigated muddy terrain in the dark to reach Medina, who was found curled up next to a tree, wearing only shorts and a T-shirt. The aviation team remained overhead to ensure the agents’ safe return as they escorted Medina out of the woods. Several agents sustained minor scratches and bleeding while navigating the dense brush.
FBI Director Kash Patel lauded the operation, stating, “This story is the best of the FBI — jumping into action quickly, mobilizing our outstanding teams and resources with great partners, and refusing to give up in order to protect and serve our fellow American.” He added, “Thanks to our brave agents out of FBI Newark, world class CIRG pilot teams, and coordination with great local and federal partners — Joel is home safe from what could’ve been dire circumstances. I’m so proud of our teams and thankful for the resolution.”
Authorities simply said, “Everyone involved had one objective: locate Joel and bring him home safely.”