N.J. Police Searching Woods for Missing Juvenile With Autism in Egg Harbor Township

EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Police, K‑9 teams, and multiple emergency agencies are combing wooded areas near the former Shore Mall as the search intensifies for a missing juvenile with autism.

Authorities say Joel Medina, who lives in the neighborhood off 4th Avenue behind the Shore Mall, left his home earlier this week and has not been seen since. His disappearance has prompted a large‑scale, multi‑agency response involving local officers, county resources, and specialized search teams.

Large Search Effort Underway

Investigators have focused heavily on the dense woods surrounding the Shore Mall property, an area known for thick brush and limited visibility. Officers have been seen conducting grid searches, deploying drones, and working alongside K‑9 units trained to track scent in challenging terrain.

Egg Harbor Township Police have not released Joel’s age publicly, but confirmed he is a juvenile with autism and may be unable to communicate effectively if approached.

Community Asked to Assist

Authorities are urging residents in the surrounding neighborhoods to:

• Check home security and Ring cameras
• Look around sheds, yards, and wooded edges
• Report anything unusual immediately

Police emphasized that even small details could help narrow the search area.

What We Know About Joel

• Juvenile male with autism
• Left home near 4th Avenue behind the Shore Mall
• Believed to still be in the Egg Harbor Township area

Officials have not released a clothing description in this update, but continue to ask the public to remain alert.

Ongoing Investigation

The search remains active and will continue until Joel is located, police said. Additional updates will be released as new information becomes available.

Anyone with credible information is urged to contact the Egg Harbor Township Police Department.

Police Update: Joel is still missing, after a continuing, exhaustive search – TomsRiver.org