New York boy, 15, missing after traveling to NYC to meet someone he met on Roblox, family says
Share this @internewscast.com

The family of a 15-year-old boy from Long Island is deeply concerned after their son vanished two weeks ago. He had traveled to New York City to meet an individual he encountered through the online platform Roblox.

According to the Suffolk County Police Department, Thomas Medlin departed from the Stony Brook School at approximately 3:30 p.m. on January 9. He hurried to the Stony Brook Train Station and boarded a train bound for Grand Central Station in New York City. These details were shared in a news release dated January 12.

Authorities have distributed a surveillance image capturing Thomas at Grand Central Station. Investigators say this location marks the last sighting of him around 5:30 p.m. on the day he disappeared.

In an interview with News 12 Long Island, Thomas’ mother, Eva Yan, expressed that detectives suspect her son was meeting someone he had connected with through Roblox, the online gaming platform.

Thomas Medlin on surveillance video at Grand Central Station in New York City

The surveillance photograph shows Thomas Medlin walking through Grand Central Station at about 5:30 p.m. on January 9, as confirmed by the Suffolk County Police Department.

Yan remarked that this behavior is uncharacteristic of Thomas, indicating how unusual the situation is for their family.

“He has never left our side,” Yan told the outlet through tears.

“I just can’t believe why he left in the first place,” James Medlin, Thomas’ father, told the outlet.

Thomas Medlin smiling and posing for a photo

Thomas Medlin’s parents say this behavior was uncharacteristic of the 15-year-old. (Suffolk County Police Department)

A Roblox spokesperson told Fox News Digital in an email statement on Sunday that it is “built with safety at its core” and offers parental controls that allow parents to completely disable the in-game chat function.

“We are deeply troubled by this incident and are working with law enforcement to support their investigation,” the spokesperson said. “Roblox is built with safety at its core, including robust policies to help protect users that go beyond many other platforms. We have filters designed to block the sharing of personal information and don’t allow user-to-user image or video sharing. While no system is perfect, our commitment to safety never ends, and we continue to evolve and strengthen our protections every day. Given this involves an ongoing investigation, we cannot comment further at this time.”

grand central holiday season

Thomas Medlin traveled from Long Island to New York City by train on Jan. 9, and was last seen at Grand Central Station. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images, File)

Yan said that family and friends have formed search parties in both Long Island and New York City in search of her missing son.

“Everyone loves him,” she told the outlet.

Authorities asked anyone with information on the whereabouts of Thomas to call the Suffolk County Police Department’s Fourth Squad Detectives at 631-854-8452.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Rand Paul says trust in Trump admin 'broken' after Minnesota shooting of Alex Pretti

Senator Rand Paul Criticizes Trust in Trump Administration Following Minnesota Shooting of Alex Pretti

Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky has openly acknowledged a significant loss of…
Arizona deputies save choking 2-week-old baby in roadside rescue after parents' emergency call

Arizona Deputies Heroically Rescue Choking Infant in Roadside Emergency

Arizona deputies save choking 2-week-old baby In a dramatic rescue, Arizona deputies…
Emmy-winning 'The Simpsons' writer Dan McGrath dies at 61

Three Dog Night Co-Founder Chuck Negron Passes Away at 83

Chuck Negron, the distinctive voice behind several iconic tracks such as “Joy…
Asking Eric: Without public weigh-ins, weight-loss motivation falters

How Public Weigh-Ins Fuel Weight-Loss Success: Insights from Eric

Dear Eric: Like many, my weight fluctuates significantly. Throughout the years, I’ve…
Palmdale Street shooting on Jacksonville's Northwest side leaves man dead

Driver Collides with Light Pole Following Shooting Incident in Lackawanna, Reports JSO

At the time of this report, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has confirmed…
Savannah Guthrie asks for prayer as her mother remains missing: 'We need you'

Savannah Guthrie Seeks Community Support and Prayers Amid Mother’s Continued Absence

Savannah Guthrie, co-host of NBC’s “Today,” expressed heartfelt gratitude on Monday to…
Flagler County paramedic found guilty of sexual battery, state attorney says

Ex-Paramedic Sentenced to Prison for Sexual Assault on Unconscious Patient During Ambulance Ride

In a troubling case that has drawn significant attention, James Melady, a…
Surgeon ex-husband extradited to Ohio in slaying of dentist and wife

Surgeon Charged in Double Homicide Shows No Emotion During Booking – Watch the Unsettling Footage

In newly surfaced video footage, Fox News Digital offers a glimpse into…
Gaza’s Rafah border crossing partially reopens under ceasefire deal

Rafah Border in Gaza Begins Limited Reopening Amid Ceasefire Agreement

The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt has partially reopened, marking…
Morning Minute: Don't Drive Angry!

Morning Minute: Stay Calm Behind the Wheel!

Monday, February 2, 2026 Good morning and welcome to RedState’s “Morning Minute.”…
College student’s death sparks hazing probe as 3 fraternity members are arrested

Tragic College Hazing Incident Leads to Arrest of 3 Fraternity Members Amid Intensified Investigation

Tragedy struck an Arizona community as an 18-year-old student from Northern Arizona…
Shooting in Georgia hotel room leaves 1 officer killed, another seriously wounded: 'Unprovoked attack'

Tragic Georgia Hotel Shooting: Unprovoked Attack Claims Officer’s Life, Injures Another

Tragedy struck in Georgia on Sunday when a man opened fire on…