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Chesterfield police locate missing man

Posted at 1:16 PM, Apr 06, 2014
and last updated 2014-04-06 21:49:42-04

CHESTERFIELD, Va. (WTVR) - Family members said the man who was reported missing Sunday struggles with bipolar disorder and are thankful he is home safe.

Joseph Furey, 22, was found around 3:00 p.m., Sunday in the area of the Hull Street Rd and Route 288. Police said he was found unharmed.  Furey had not been seen since Saturday night, so his family called police.

CBS 6 reporter Jake Burns spoke with Furey's family members on the phone.  They said he is going through some "personal issues" right now.

"The thing is he hadn't had his medication in a couple of days, and that sort of contributed to his disillusionment and not being right," said Jospeh Furey's father James.

Family members said Furey left his car and cell phone at a fast food restaurant on Hull Street Road.

Viewers contacted CBS6 about seeing a helicopter around the Hull Street Rd and Rt 288 area. According to Chesterfield police, it was a Virginia State police Med-flight helicopter assisting in the search for Furey.

The topic of mental health and what can be done to help those struggling with a variety of issues has been under the microscope of lawmakers and law enforcement recently.  Furey's family said the fact that their son returned home safely shows why it is vital to treat every situation with the appropriate level of attention.

"People have some serious issues that shouldn't be dismissed. And they really need the attention. They can't be looked at as nominal things," said James Furey.