The 52-year-old had checked himself into a substance abuse rehabilitation facility without telling anyone
EDISON -- An Edison man whose family hadn't heard from him in more than seven weeks has been located, police said.
Thomas Roach Cops received an anonymous tip and tracked Thomas Roach to a substance abuse rehabilitation facility that they didn't name. Roach, 52, checked himself in to the facility after being discharged from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset in Somerville on July 10, Edison police said.
His relatives reported him missing because Roach's car appeared to be abandoned in the hospital parking lot. It turned out Roach was privately transported to the treatment facility, but never told anyone.
Edison officials notified the media on Monday that Roach, an alcoholic with an oxycodone addiction, was missing. Someone who saw the report recognized Roach and deduced Roach had checked himself into one of a handful of facilities.
Police eventually found Roach, who then phoned his family.
His family told police they are normally close with him, but hadn't heard from him since June 2 before he initiated contact earlier this week.
By law, treatment facilities are not required to assist police looking for patients.
Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.