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
Government Shutdown Day 3: Johnson relying on Trump as House prepares to vote on funding bill

Day 3 of Government Shutdown: Can Trump’s Influence Help Johnson Secure the Funding Bill?

In the wake of public uproar following two fatal shootings in Minneapolis…
Man accused of murdering Alabama teen cheerleader, spraying bullets at friends, released on bond

Alabama Teen’s Murder Suspect Released on Bond Following Alleged Shooting Incident

In a development that has stirred community emotions, the man charged with…
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…
Minneapolis teachers union chief admits elected officials in anti-ICE Signal chats

Revealed: Minneapolis Teachers Union Leader Exposes Elected Officials in Secret Anti-ICE Signal Chats

In a recent interview, the president of the Minneapolis teachers union highlighted…
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…
Standoff in Beacon Lake ends with suspect's death; neighbor recounts tense SWAT operation

High-Stakes SWAT Showdown at Beacon Lake: Eyewitnesses Share Chilling Details of Suspect’s Fatal End

In a recent incident that gripped a tranquil St. Johns County neighborhood,…
Hundreds of anti-ICE protesters shut down streets in Portland

Portland Streets Paralyzed: Massive Anti-ICE Demonstrations Ignite Citywide Disruption

In a significant demonstration against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), hundreds…
Man killed riding illegal electric bike in crash outside UN in Manhattan

Queens Car Theft Foiled: Man Arrested with Elderly Passenger Found in Backseat

On Monday, authorities apprehended a man in Queens following a car theft…
Good Samaritan hijacks crooks’ getaway car and rams it into jewelry store during smash-and-grab: police

Heroic Citizen Takes Bold Action, Seizes Criminals’ Escape Vehicle to Thwart Jewelry Heist, Police Report

Northern California authorities are on the hunt for four armed individuals involved…
Man arrested for murder after mother found dead at Hidden Hills home

Hidden Hills Tragedy: Man Charged with Murder Following Mother’s Death

Tragedy struck Jacksonville over the weekend when a woman was found dead…
Rising ISIS threats to US homeland drive AFRICOM airstrikes against terrorists in Somalia

Escalating ISIS Threats Prompt Strategic AFRICOM Airstrikes in Somalia: Safeguarding the U.S. Homeland

EXCLUSIVE TO FOX: The United States is intensifying its aerial strikes and…
Lane Bryant shooting: Tinley Park murders of 5 women remain unsolved 18 years later

Unresolved Tragedy: Tinley Park’s Lane Bryant Murders Still a Mystery After 18 Years

This Monday marked the somber 18th anniversary of a tragic event that…