Teen Reported Missing From Lake County, May Have Left The State

Police are searching for 18-year-old Thomas Thompson, who was last seen leaving school on Monday.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 7:03pm

An extreme close-up photograph of a car key, its metallic surface reflecting the harsh light of the camera flash, conveying the urgency and intensity of the search for a missing teenager.The search for a missing teen has authorities examining every clue, no matter how small.Volo Today

Local police in Lake County, Illinois are asking for the public's help in locating an 18-year-old Volo man named Thomas Thompson who was reported missing late Monday night. Thompson was last seen leaving school on Monday and is believed to be driving a Toyota Camry with Illinois license plate ES48065. Authorities have detected the vehicle near the Wisconsin/Minnesota border and are working with law enforcement in that area to try and locate Thompson.

Why it matters

Missing person cases are always concerning, as they raise questions about the individual's safety and well-being. The fact that Thompson may have left the state adds an additional layer of complexity to the search efforts, requiring coordination between multiple law enforcement agencies across state lines.

The details

According to the Lake County Sheriff's Office, Thomas Thompson is described as being 5-feet, 9 inches tall and 140 pounds, with blonde hair and hazel eyes. Police are asking anyone who sees Thompson or his vehicle to call 911 so they can conduct a well-being check. Authorities are also urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact the Lake County Sheriff's Office directly.

  • Thompson was last seen leaving school on Monday, March 31, 2026.
  • Flock safety license plate readers detected Thompson's vehicle near the Wisconsin/Minnesota border on Monday afternoon.

The players

Thomas Thompson

An 18-year-old resident of Volo, Illinois who was reported missing on Monday night.

Lake County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency leading the search for Thomas Thompson and coordinating with authorities in neighboring states.

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What’s next

Authorities in Lake County are continuing to work with law enforcement in Wisconsin and Minnesota to try and locate Thomas Thompson and ensure his safety.

The takeaway

This missing persons case highlights the importance of community vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies when an individual, especially a young adult, goes missing and may have crossed state lines. The public's assistance in reporting any sightings of Thompson or his vehicle could be crucial to bringing him home safely.