Edison Man Missing: Police Ask for Public's Help

Edison, NJ - An Edison man has been missing since early July and police are now asking the public's help in finding him:

The Police Department is asking for the public's help to find a 52-year-old Edison Township man, last seen on Sunday, July 10 after he was discharged from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital on Rehill Avenue in Somerville.

Thomas Roach, 52, last made contact with his family members on Thursday, June 2, telling them he planned to check himself into a substance abuse rehabilitation program. Police said Roach is an alcoholic and he is believed to be addicted to oxycodone.

Roach's vehicle, containing his personal belongings, was found in the hospital's parking lot soon after his July 10 hospital discharge and disappearance. Police examined video from the hospital's security cameras to no avail, detectives said.

“Ordinarily, Mr. Roach is very close with his family and friends. They are, understandably, concerned with his whereabouts and his well-being. We hope that enlisting the public's assistance will further our investigation,” said Edison police Detective Jeff Tierney, who is handling the case.

Police described Roach as a white man, 5'10,” with a fair complexion and brown-graying hair and blue eyes. He has a birthmark over his left eye. Edison police released Roach's photo and physical description to other New Jersey police departments weeks ago, asking them to be on the lookout for him. On previous occasions, police arranged for Roach to be transported at his request to medical facilities for evaluation after he expressed feelings of depression and thoughts of suicide, police said. Police said Roach, an amateur sportsman, owns a registered Bauer .25-caliber handgun, but they do not know if he was in possession of that weapon at the time of his disappearance.

Roach's family created a social media site: www.facebook.com/HelpFindThoma... with additional photographs and details. Anyone with information about Roach or his whereabouts should contact Detective Jeff Tierney at (732) 261-3188 or jtierney@edisonpd.org.