UPDATE: Missing New Jersey man found in Delaware

Family members of a missing 79-year-old New Jersey man said he’s been found. 

According to the Find John Anderson Sr. Facebook page, Anderson, who suffers from dementia, was confused but found safe by his grandson in Delaware.

***Original story***

A 79-year-old New Jersey man, who has been missing since 10 a.m. on Monday, was spotted last night in Odessa, Delaware.

John Anderson Sr., who suffers from dementia, had run out of gas, when a couple of Good Samaritans helped him out. They had no idea Anderson was a missing person at the time.

“He was spotted at 7:30 last night on Rte. 13 in Delaware, going south,” daughter Michelle Anderson said. “They followed him to a Sunoco and helped him get oil and gas in his car and then they said he went south on Rt. 13, so that’s the last time he was spotted.”

New Jersey Detective T.J. Varano, with the Berlin Police Department, said surveillance photos confirm what Michelle was told.

Varano said he’s notified Delaware State Police and Wilmington and Elsmere Police Departments.

“Right now we’re playing catch up because we’re 8 hours behind him. So in checking all the bank statements and EZ Pass transactions, we’re going to start contacting departments south of him.”

Michelle said her father has never wandered off before. “We’re out of our minds, we’re just so worried,” she said, fighting back tears. “He goes in and out, he’s not always confused, and he forgets things, but he seems to be more confused when he’s under stress, so I’m sure he’s very confused right now.”

Last night’s spotting, though, has renewed a sense of hope in Michelle and her two siblings. “We’re just hoping he’s okay, we love him and we just want him back.”

John Anderson Sr, 79, was last seen driving a 2002 Silver Ford Ranger with NJ plate # UGW-53T.