Hitchhiker was missing hospital patient

According to a Washington State Patrol report, a patient from Eastern State Hospital was found hitchhiking along Interstate 90 about 12 miles east of Ritzville.

Steven Nelson, 59, left the hospital at approximately 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 22. He was located at 8 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 23.

According to authorities, Nelson had been civilly committed and was not deemed dangerous by the hospital.