Missing Man Found then Lost after NYPD Arrest

A Somerset County man missing for more than a month was briefly detained but then released by New York City police Sunday for allegedly shoplifting a $2 bag of peanuts.

Bedminster police did not learn about Temple's arrest until Tuesday morning, Ussery said, long after Temple was released. 

Ussery said that the officers in the police precinct where Temple was processed, apparently by the George Washington Bridge exit in Manhattan, fingerprinted Temple but did not check the National Crime Information Center to see that he was listed as "missing and endangered."

Temple apparently gave the arresting officers his real name and address, Ussery said. Ussery said that, as previously, Temple had not left an electronic trail by using credit cards.

Although he said he is speculating somewhat, Ussery said he believes that when Temple's fingerprints were put into a national database, it triggered the NCIC case that listed him as missing. Temple was arrested at about 8 p.m. on Sunday, Ussery said.

Somerset County dispatch notified Bedminster police of Temple's contact with the N.Y.P.D. on Tuesday morning, Ussery said.

The next step, Ussery said, is for Bedminster police to contact the arresting officer in Manhattan and to try to determine the status of Temple's mental condition and to see if a mug shot was taken.

However, Ussery stressed that if Temple had been found, the most police would have done would have been to encourage him to contact his friends and family in England who have been searching for him.

The last contact Temple reportedly had with loved ones was to notify his girlfriend that his cell phone battery was dying.

Later in July, as relatives and friends continued to search for the Bedminster man, they announced they were offering a $2,000 reward for information that leads to his finding, according to Bedminster Police Lt. Craig Meyer.

Temple was last heard from via text on June 19, said Meyer. 

Temple's friends also have set up a Facebook page seeking information on Temple, and offering him assurances he is "loved and missed."

The Facebook page says that LostNMissing Inc, a nonprofit organization working with Temple's family, was making an announcement approved by Nick Temple, Roger Temple's brother: "The family of Roger Temple is now offering a $2000.00 reward for viable information leading to the safe return of Roger. Please help share his new missing poster." 

The page notes that anonymous tips can be made to Crime Stoppers of Somerset County, by calling 888-577-8477. Those with a tip may also use the organization's online form.

Temple is a 5 foot, 8 inch white man, weighing 175 pounds. Authorities said he has hazel eyes, partially gray hair and a small mole on the left side of his nose. He has an English accent.

Presumably, if Temple fails to respond to the shoplifting charge, and is picked up again, he would have an outstanding bench warrant, Ussery observed.