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FBI Video Shows Rescue of Missing EHT Teen
Thermal imaging technology helps locate autistic boy lost in woods
Mar. 27, 2026 at 8:53am
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The FBI has released dramatic video footage showing the moment an autistic 17-year-old boy who went missing from his home in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey was spotted by a search plane's advanced infrared cameras and thermal imaging technology, leading to his eventual rescue after a multi-day search effort involving local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
Why it matters
The successful rescue of the missing teen highlights the critical role that advanced surveillance and search technologies can play in locating vulnerable individuals, especially in challenging outdoor environments. It also underscores the importance of strong coordination and cooperation between different law enforcement agencies when responding to high-stakes missing persons cases.
The details
According to the video's captions, 17-year-old Joel Medins, who is autistic, went missing from his home in Egg Harbor Township on March 20, 2026. Extensive search efforts were launched, involving local police, state troopers, the US Coast Guard, K-9 units, and drone teams. After two days with no sign of Joel, the FBI's Critical Incident Response Group was called in, and their specialized search plane equipped with thermal imaging cameras was able to spot Joel curled up next to a tree deep in the heavily wooded nature preserve near his home. Agents then made their way to his location and safely extracted him from the cold, dangerous conditions.
- On Friday, March 20, 2026, Joel Medins, 17, went missing from his home in Egg Harbor Township.
- Saturday, March 21, there was still no sign of Joel, so EHT Police asked the FBI for assistance.
- Saturday at 11:57 pm, the FBI's search plane spotted Joel in the woods.
- Sunday at 12:29 am, agents made contact with Joel and began extracting him from the woods.
- Sunday, March 22, at 1:38 am, Joel was reunited with his family and checked by paramedics.
The players
Joel Medins
A 17-year-old autistic boy who went missing from his home in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey.
Egg Harbor Township Police
The local law enforcement agency that responded to the initial missing persons report and coordinated the search efforts.
FBI Critical Incident Response Group
The specialized FBI unit that provided aerial search support using a plane equipped with advanced thermal imaging technology to locate the missing teen.
What’s next
The Egg Harbor Township Police Department and the FBI will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Joel Medins' disappearance to ensure there were no suspicious factors involved.
The takeaway
This dramatic rescue operation highlights the critical importance of leveraging advanced surveillance technologies and multi-agency coordination when responding to high-stakes missing persons cases, especially those involving vulnerable individuals. The successful outcome in this case demonstrates how these capabilities can mean the difference between life and death.
