UPDATE
A New Jersey boy who disappeared on October 30 after withdrawing $1,000 from his savings account has been found, CBS Philly reports.
Thomas Kolding, 15, was found safe in Philadelphia on Tuesday after leaving his Mountain Lakes, New Jersey, home on October 31. According to authorities, the boy took a train at Denville to Newark-Broad Street Station. He later took a train to New York Penn Station. Authorities indicated that no other details are available at this time.
#BREAKING 15-year-old Thomas Kolding of North Jersey has been found safe in Philly. Missing since Oct. 30, Police say he initially traveled by train from Denville to Newark-Broad Street Station to New York Penn Station then to Philly. @CBSPhilly https://t.co/EkaRs4ckQB
— Stephen McKenzie (@SteveMcKCBS3) November 13, 2018
Original Story
New Jersey authorities are searching for a boy who reportedly withdrew $1,000 out of his savings account last Tuesday and vanished. His parents, who are desperate to find him, are hoping for his safe return after he reportedly left behind a worrisome note.
The Daily Record reports that 15-year-old Thomas Kolding was last seen on October 30 at his home in Mountain Lakes. His father, Nicolai Kolding, said the boy packed his belongings and stuffed them into a backpack, then left a note before leaving. The note, handwritten by Thomas, reportedly said he did not want to be found.
His parents felt that Thomas may have gotten too overwhelmed with school work. A bright freshman, Thomas takes honors courses in math in science at Mountain Lakes High School. His parents said they had an argument with him about his grades shortly before he disappeared.
“He is a wonderful, resourceful, and far-too-adventurous young man who we are worried about beyond words,” his mother, Aleksandra Kolding wrote on Facebook. “Please keep spreading the word and tell all to look for a very LARGE BLACK BACKPACK he has on him – I think that’s the telltale sign for those that don’t recognize him.”
On Wednesday, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office shared a photo of a boy caught on surveillance camera at the Walter Rand Train Station in Camden, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, which could likely be Thomas. He was wearing dark pants, an orange and black striped shirt, and carrying a blue Adidas backpack, although his parents said he left with a black backpack.
Alexsandra Kolding wrote on Facebook Wednesday that she now knows her son “is safe,” but asked for continued assistance in bringing him home.
“So we know he’s safe.East Coast. In time more can be shared.”
She also wrote that her son “walks with a purpose” and prefers to be talked to like an adult.
“He walks with a purpose, not strangely fast, but just someone who is going somewhere. He doesn’t usually chew gum but his candy vice is Jolly Ranchers. If anyone sees him (especially those unfamiliar to him) think of him and talk to him like a 25-year-old not a 15 year-old.”
Thomas’ father added that after seeing the photo and said he felt better after seeing that son looks like he is “in control.”
“We believe he is safe, but we still have a long way to go. We’re buoyed by the news. We’re heartened by it. This was a very important sighting, and it looks as though he’s in control.”
Check back with CrimeOnline for additional updates.
[Feature Photo: Thomas Kolding/Family Handout]
