New details continue to emerge in the case of a Mountain Lakes, New Jersey, boy found safe on Tuesday after he reportedly took money from his savings, left his family a note indicating he didn’t want to be found, and ran away two weeks ago.
The Daily Record reports that authorities found 15-year-old Thomas Kolding in Philadelphia on Tuesday, and reportedly the boy was in good physical health, uninjured and with a “full stomach.” According to the Detective John Hukowski of the Mountain Lakes Police Department in New Jersey, when a Pennsylvania officer found Thomas, he asked the teen if he wanted a pizza.
“No, I’m good. I already ate,” Thomas reportedly replied.
Although Hukowski said authorities think Thomas remained in Pennsylvania for most of the two weeks he was away from home, numerous tips poured in about the boy, including around 50 tips from psychics. One psychic claimed Thomas was “hanging out with rappers.” Another tipster thought she saw Thomas outside of a Walmart in Ohio.
Authorities found Thomas near near Penrose Plaza, close to the close to Philadelphia International Airport. Initial reports indicated he was found in “Tent City,” an area in Philadelphia where homeless people congregate. Yet, according to Philadelphia police spokesman, Officer Eric McLaurin, the area where police found Thomas was not an area where homeless people generally gather.
Although he appeared healthy and unharmed, authorities took Thomas to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for a checkup, where he was reportedly given a clean bill of health.
Thomas is now back at home, where his family is focusing on healing and finding him the most appropriate help. Principal of Mountain Lakes High School, Frank Sanchez, reported that the school is working with the boy’s dad, Nikolai Kolding, on having him return to school, but not until after he’s “healthy and ready.”
“His father and I are focused on Thomas’s re-entry to school,” Sanchez explained. “We plan on welcoming him warmly, but we want him to be back healthy and ready….We’re going to focus on him and on what he missed. What he wants to share is up to him and his family.”
The news is true: earlier today, Thomas was found in Philadelphia! He will need at least a night in the hospital as he’s…
Posted by Nicolai Kolding on Tuesday, November 13, 2018
Nikolai Kolding confirmed on Facebook that the family is focusing on Thomas’ recovery. While it’s still unclear why the teen ran away to began to with, his father previously reported that an argument erupted over Thomas’ grades a few days before he left. The parents’ apparently lectured the honors student on not living up to his potential.
[Feature Photo: Thomas Kolding/Handout]
