Newly released video footage reveals that a teenager who went missing over two weeks ago was last spotted on a bridge spanning a river. Authorities have shared a clip capturing Thomas Medlin, 15, on a pedestrian walkway in New York City on Friday, January 9, at 7:06 pm. The investigation into Thomas’ disappearance has included thorough video analysis and examination of digital evidence, according to police.
Thomas reportedly left his residence in Long Island, New York, to meet an individual he had been communicating with online. It is believed that he planned to rendezvous with this person in Manhattan, necessitating the use of the Manhattan Bridge over the East River.
The footage depicts Thomas on the bridge on the day of his last sighting by family members. Police have noted that the teenager was not observed exiting the bridge via designated paths, and additional CCTV footage from the bridge captured a splash in the water shortly after Thomas was seen.
A spokesperson from the Suffolk County Police Department mentioned, “The last recorded activity on his mobile phone was at 7:09 pm on January 9, and a nearby surveillance camera recorded a splash in the water at 7:10 pm on the same day.”
Following the issuance of subpoenas and search warrants, authorities examined multiple social media and online gaming profiles as well as electronic devices associated with Medlin. This examination revealed no connection between these platforms and his disappearance.
While there was no mention of Medlin being located in the police update, they stated that there are no signs of criminal activity. Detectives have been in constant communication with Medlin’s family, and the department is collaborating with other law enforcement agencies to provide closure to the family.
Thomas, a resident of St. James, a hamlet in Suffolk County on Long Island, vanished on January 9 after heading to Manhattan following school hours. He was last seen at Grand Central Station approximately two hours later. A prior police release included a photo showing the 15-year-old with a backpack and a large object on what appeared to be a subway platform in New York City.