Long Island Teen Missing After Traveling to NYC

Police search for 15-year-old who disappeared after leaving school and going to Grand Central Station

Jan. 28, 2026 at 10:39am

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A 15-year-old boy from Long Island, Thomas Medlin, has been missing for over two weeks after he left his school and traveled to New York City. Medlin was last seen on surveillance video at Grand Central Station in Manhattan on January 9th. Police are asking the public for any information that could help locate the missing teen.

Why it matters

The disappearance of a young teenager is always a concerning situation that raises questions about their safety and well-being. This case highlights the challenges of keeping minors safe, especially when they travel to large cities without supervision. It also shines a light on the role that online platforms like Roblox can play in connecting young people, and the need for robust age verification and content moderation measures.

The details

According to police, Thomas Medlin, a 15-year-old from Saint James, Long Island, left his school, The Stony Brook School, around 3:30 pm on January 9th and went to the train station. He was last seen on surveillance video at Grand Central Station in Manhattan around 5:30 pm that same day. Medlin is described as a white male, 130 pounds and 5'4" tall, last seen wearing a black jacket with red stripes, dark sweatpants with white stripes, a black backpack, and glasses.

  • Thomas Medlin left his school on Long Island around 3:30 pm on January 9, 2026.
  • Medlin was last seen on surveillance video at Grand Central Station in Manhattan around 5:30 pm on January 9, 2026.

The players

Thomas Medlin

A 15-year-old boy from Saint James, Long Island who has been missing for over two weeks after traveling to New York City.

Suffolk County Police

The police department investigating the disappearance of Thomas Medlin and asking the public for any information that could help locate the missing teen.

Roblox

The online gaming platform that officials say Medlin may have been using to connect with someone before his disappearance. Roblox has announced new age verification measures to help protect minors on its platform.

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What’s next

Police are continuing their investigation and urging anyone with information about Thomas Medlin's whereabouts to contact the Fourth Squad Detectives at 631-854-8452.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of online safety measures and parental supervision, especially when young people are traveling to unfamiliar locations. It also highlights the need for robust missing persons protocols and community engagement to help locate vulnerable individuals quickly.