Relief spread across Egg Harbor Township and the surrounding region Sunday morning as authorities confirmed that Joel Medina, a 17 year old with autism who had been missing for more than a day, was found safe following an extensive, multi-agency search.
Medina wandered from his family’s home at approximately 3 p.m. Friday, March 20. Over the next 36 hours, local, county, state and federal agencies coordinated a large-scale search effort across heavily wooded areas and difficult terrain.
The breakthrough came in the early morning hours of March 22, when aerial units using forward-looking infrared (FLIR) technology detected a person sitting against a tree, holding their knees, in dense woods west of Pole Bridge Road off Spruce Avenue. At the time, authorities could not immediately confirm the individual’s identity. “It could have been a homeless person or someone else,” said Capt. Michael Finnerty, incident commander with the Egg Harbor Township Police Department.
Multiple officers, detectives, New Jersey State Police K-9 teams and FBI personnel navigated the thick woods to reach the teen boy. After confirming it was Medina, crews safely brought him out and reunited him with his family. He was evaluated on the scene by Egg Harbor Township EMS.
“After 35 hours of searching, when we knew it was Joel, it was one of the happiest moments I’ve ever had as a police officer,” shared Capt. Michael Finnerty.
Officials said the successful outcome was the result of a coordinated effort involving numerous agencies, including Egg Harbor Township police units, the FBI, the Atlantic County Office of Emergency Management, the Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office, the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, New Jersey State Police, U.S. Coast Guard aviation, multiple county search-and-rescue teams and local EMS providers. Authorities also credited community members and volunteers, whose support and search efforts played a critical role throughout the operation.
“This outcome reflects the strength of collaboration, the power of community, and the dedication of those who serve,” the Egg Harbor Township Police Department said in a statement.
Since his return home, Medina has been enrolled in Project Lifesaver, a community-based search-and-rescue program designed for adults and children with cognitive conditions that may lead to wandering, including autism and Alzheimer’s disease. The program uses a wearable radio frequency transmitter — rather than GPS or Wi-Fi — allowing for highly reliable tracking that can function even in challenging environments, including wooded areas and water.
Trained first responders use specialized receivers to locate individuals quickly, often within 15 to 20 minutes. The Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office oversees the program locally, providing initial setup, routine maintenance and battery replacement at no cost to participating families.
Officials said programs like Project Lifesaver can be critical in emergencies and encourage families with loved ones who may be at risk of wandering to consider enrolling. For more information, contact the Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office at 609-909-7200.
