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Egg Harbor Township Teen Reported Missing, Police Ask for Help
Authorities are searching for an autistic 17-year-old who ran away from home on Friday afternoon.
Mar. 21, 2026 at 2:34pm
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The Egg Harbor Township Police Department is asking the public for assistance in locating Joel Medina, a 17-year-old autistic resident who went missing on Friday afternoon. Medina was last seen in the area behind the old Shore Mall/Harbor Square off of West Jersey Avenue, and authorities believe he is still in that immediate vicinity.
Why it matters
Finding missing persons, especially those with special needs, is a critical public safety issue. The Egg Harbor Township community is coming together to help locate Joel Medina and ensure his safe return home.
The details
According to the police, Medina is autistic and functions at a much younger age. He was last seen wearing sandals, black shorts, and a black t-shirt. Authorities have been conducting an extensive search involving multiple law enforcement agencies, emergency personnel, search and rescue teams, K-9 units, and helicopters, but Medina remains missing.
- Joel Medina was last seen on Friday afternoon, March 21, 2026.
- The Egg Harbor Township Police Department issued a press release about Medina's disappearance on Friday evening.
The players
Joel Medina
A 17-year-old autistic resident of Egg Harbor Township who went missing on Friday afternoon.
Egg Harbor Township Police Department
The local law enforcement agency leading the search for the missing teen.
What they’re saying
“We are asking all residents living in the area to please check the surroundings around their house, starting tomorrow morning. Please call the Police Department at (609)926-4025 to report anything credible. Check your ring cameras, anything and everything. We will update immediately, once he [is] located.”
— Egg Harbor Township Police
What’s next
The Egg Harbor Township Police Department is continuing its search for Joel Medina and is asking the public to assist by checking their surroundings and reporting any information to the police.
The takeaway
The disappearance of Joel Medina, an autistic teenager, highlights the importance of community vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement in locating missing persons, especially those with special needs. The Egg Harbor Township community is rallying together to ensure Medina's safe return.
