Police Update: Joel is still missing, after a continuing, exhaustive search
Two Suspects Taken into Custody After Major Drug Bust in Ocean County
March 20, 2026
Spring Craft Fair and Flea Market in Toms River
March 21, 2026Police Update: Joel is still missing, after a continuing, exhaustive search
***Public Assistance Needed - Missing Juvenile***
Public Assistance Urgently Needed: Search Continues for Missing Egg Harbor Township Teen
Egg Harbor Township, NJ — A massive multi‑agency search effort continues tonight for missing juvenile Joel Medina, who has not been located despite an exhaustive, coordinated operation spanning land and air resources across Atlantic County and surrounding regions
According to officials, teams have been actively searching since earlier today, deploying EHT officers, neighboring police agencies, detectives, EMS personnel, County Sheriffs, ACPO Detectives using drones, State OEM, Atlantic County OEM, and Search & Rescue teams from Atlantic, Gloucester, Camden, and Cumberland Counties, with Cape May teams on standby. K9 units, bloodhounds, New Jersey State Police helicopters, and U.S. Coast Guard aircraft have also been involved.
Authorities say the search will continue until Joel is found.
Residents Asked to Assist Beginning Tomorrow Morning
Police are urging all residents in and around the Shore Mall / West Jersey Avenue / 4th Avenue area to thoroughly check their properties at first light. This includes:
- Yards and wooded areas
- Sheds, garages, and outbuildings
- Under decks or porches
- Reviewing Ring and home security camera footage
Anyone who sees anything credible is asked to immediately contact the Egg Harbor Township Police Department at (609) 926‑4025.
Officials also ask the public to limit comments on social media, as the department is actively managing numerous resources including drones, helicopters, K9 teams, and search crews.
About Joel Medina
Joel Medina is believed to have run away from his home near 4th Avenue behind the Shore Mall. He is thought to still be in the general Egg Harbor Township area.
Description:
- Age: Juvenile
- Height: 5'6"
- Weight: ~156 lbs
- Hair: Black
- Eyes: Dark
- Skin tone: Medium
- Clothing: Black shorts, black t‑shirt, and black/white/red Jordan sneakers (updated from earlier report of sandals)
- Additional Info: Joel is autistic.
How to Help
If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Joel Medina, please contact the Egg Harbor Township Police Department immediately at:
📞 (609) 927‑5200
The department expressed deep gratitude to all partner agencies and the community for their continued support, prayers, and vigilance.
