In a dramatic twist that has reignited hope and fear in the agonizing search for 15-year-old Thomas Medlin, authorities have released a bombshell update: the missing Long Island teenager was reportedly seen entering a black vehicle mere minutes ago. This fresh lead, described by police as the “most promising sighting in weeks,” comes amid growing desperation from his family and the public who have followed the case since his disappearance on January 9, 2026.

Thomas Medlin, a 5’4″, 130-pound white teen from St. James, Suffolk County, vanished after abruptly leaving The Stony Brook School around 3:30 p.m. that fateful Friday. He reportedly dashed to the nearby Long Island Rail Road station and traveled into Manhattan, initially sparking theories that he was heading to meet someone he connected with online through the gaming platform Roblox. While police have downplayed any direct link to the game and stated there is no clear evidence of foul play, the case has taken chilling turns.

Earlier investigations revealed haunting surveillance footage placing Thomas on the pedestrian walkway of the Manhattan Bridge around 7:06 p.m. on the day he went missing. His cellphone showed its final activity at 7:09 p.m., followed by a nearby camera capturing an ominous splash in the East River just one minute later. Thomas was never seen exiting the bridge through any pathways or stairs, leaving investigators and loved ones haunted by the possibility of a tragic accident—or something far more sinister.

The family has publicly expressed frustration with the pace of the probe, rejecting suggestions that the teen may have taken his own life and insisting he was not alone in his final moments. Now, this explosive new development—a confirmed sighting of Thomas stepping into a dark-colored car just 10 minutes before the latest police bulletin—has shifted the narrative once again. Sources close to the investigation describe the vehicle as a black SUV or sedan, possibly matching descriptions circulated in community alerts. Police are urgently reviewing dashcam footage, traffic cameras, and witness statements from the area to track the car’s movements and identify its driver.

Thomas was last officially described wearing a black jacket with red stripes, dark sweatpants with white stripes, a black backpack, and glasses. His disappearance has mobilized thousands, with missing person posters shared across social media, candlelight vigils planned, and pleas from figures like journalist Chris Hansen amplifying the family’s message: “We are still trying to figure out what happened.”

As search efforts intensify in New York City and surrounding areas, authorities are urging anyone with information—especially those who may have seen a black vehicle in Manhattan or Brooklyn around the time of the sighting—to come forward immediately. The Suffolk County Police Department continues to stress that while no criminal activity has been confirmed, every second counts in bringing Thomas home safely.

The public is on edge: Was this a voluntary departure, a desperate escape, or evidence of abduction? With this black car lead breaking just now, the mystery deepens, and the clock is ticking louder than ever.