The call to Manteca Police shortly after 12:30 p.m. on Saturday reported that a woman had been kidnapped and needed medical attention. 

But when officers arrived at the Carl’s Jr. location on West Yosemite Avenue, they discovered a woman still wearing a hospital gown that they later learned had left two hospitals in San Joaquin County against medical advice.

The patient, — who told police that she could not walk — had walked from a nearby hospital under her own power before employees of the store contacted authorities when they became concerned. Officers who arrived later found out that she had also left a hospital in Stockton against medical advice earlier in the day and may have been suffering a psychiatric episode. 

The woman, whose name was not released, was transported to a local hospital where she was examined and then released to the custody of a family member. 

The initial report of a kidnapping was ruled unfounded by investigating officers who discovered no evidence that she had been held against her will. 

To contact reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.