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EXCLUSIVE REPORT FROM FOX: In a dramatic turn of events, FBI agents in Newark, New Jersey, successfully located a missing 17-year-old autistic teenager following an intense search that lasted nearly two days. The boy was found in challenging terrain amid near-freezing temperatures after local authorities and the Coast Guard’s efforts failed to locate him.
Joel Medina, who has the cognitive abilities of a six-year-old, disappeared near his residence on Friday. His absence led to an immediate and urgent response from multiple agencies as he endured several cold nights outside.
FBI Director Kash Patel expressed to Fox News Digital that the operation demonstrated the FBI’s commitment to public service.
“This incident showcases the FBI at its finest—swiftly responding, mobilizing our exceptional teams and resources alongside our dedicated partners, and persisting relentlessly to protect and serve our fellow Americans,” Patel stated.
The Egg Harbor Township Police Department shared a photo of Joel Medina, who was found by the FBI after two days missing in the wilderness.
“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,” he continued. “I’m so proud of our teams and thankful for the resolution.”
The initial report was that Medina wandered into a heavily wooded area of preserved land nearby that contains a trail system.
Surveillance video outside his home did not show him leaving, prompting concern he was possibly abducted.
The Egg Harbor Township Police Department responded along with search and rescue teams from Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and Gloucester counties.Â
The FBI found a point of interest using an aviation team. (BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFPÂ )
Drone teams, New Jersey State Police and U.S. Coast Guard choppers conducted air searches and K-9 teams were deployed to conduct a ground search.
Underwater search and rescue teams with divers were also sent to search nearby bodies of water.
On Saturday morning, detectives asked the FBI for assistance and agents conducted an exhaustive neighborhood canvass for any possible surveillance video, searched the area surrounding the Medina household, and participated in a grid search of the woods near the home. Agents also interviewed everyone with a turkey hunting license to locate trail camera footage.
An FBI plane was sent up into the air at about 9:30 p.m. local time to conduct a grid search of the area, and after three hours, discovered a potential point of interest deep within the preserved land.
FBI Director Kash Patel listens during the Senate Committee on Intelligence hearings on Capitol Hill Wednesday, March 18, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
Agents trekked through muddy terrain in the dark and eventually found Medina curled up in a ball next to a tree.
Medina, who was only wearing shorts and a T-shirt, was guided by the FBI out of the woods, as the aviation team stayed overhead, ensuring they made it out safely.
When agents reemerged, many of them were scratched and bleeding from navigating the heavy brush.