Significant new developments have emerged in the ongoing search for missing teenager Thomas Medlin, who vanished from his Long Island home more than two weeks ago. Authorities have released crucial CCTV footage that provides the last known sighting of the 15-year-old, captured on the pedestrian walkway of Manhattan Bridge.
Critical CCTV Evidence Released
The Suffolk County Police Department has made public surveillance video showing Thomas Medlin on the Manhattan Bridge at precisely 7:06pm on Friday, January 9. This footage represents the final confirmed sighting of the teenager, who left his St James home earlier that day apparently to meet someone he had been communicating with online.
Disturbing Bridge Activity
Police investigators have revealed particularly concerning details about what the surveillance footage captured. Thomas was never seen exiting the bridge via any of the pedestrian path exits, according to official statements. Even more troubling, additional CCTV cameras on the bridge recorded what appeared to be a splash in the water just minutes after Thomas was last seen on the structure.
A spokesperson for the Suffolk County Police Department provided specific timing: "The last activity on his cell phone was on January 9 at 7:09pm and a nearby surveillance camera captured a splash in the water on January 9 at 7:10pm."
Extensive Digital Investigation
The search for Thomas Medlin has involved what authorities describe as "extensive video canvassing and review of digital evidence." Investigators have executed subpoenas and search warrants to examine multiple social media profiles, online gaming accounts, and electronic devices associated with the missing teen.
Despite this thorough digital forensic examination, police have determined that "these platforms are not connected to his disappearance." The investigation has so far found no indication of criminal activity related to Thomas's disappearance, according to official updates.
Timeline of Disappearance
The sequence of events leading to Thomas Medlin's disappearance has become clearer through police investigation. The 15-year-old left Stony Brook School at approximately 3:30pm on January 9 and reportedly "ran" to the Stony Brook Long Island Rail Road station. He apparently caught a train into Manhattan, where he was later spotted at Grand Central Station around two hours after leaving school.
Previously released photographs showed Thomas wearing a backpack and carrying a large object while walking on what appeared to be a New York City subway platform. His intended destination was believed to be Manhattan, where he planned to meet the individual he had been chatting with online.
Ongoing Investigation and Family Communication
Police authorities continue to work diligently on the case, maintaining regular communication with Thomas Medlin's family. Detectives have been "continuously communicating the department's findings to Medlin's family" throughout the investigation.
The Suffolk County Police Department stated they are "continuing to work with its law enforcement partners to bring closure to the family" as the search for the missing teenager enters its third week. No further updates regarding Thomas Medlin being located have been provided by authorities at this time.
Thomas Medlin, from the Suffolk County hamlet of St James on Long Island, was first reported missing on January 12, three days after his disappearance. The case has drawn significant attention and concern throughout the New York metropolitan area as authorities continue their search efforts.
