Man Missing From Sonoma Nursing Home Found Safe in Napa

By Bay City News

A man who went missing from a Sonoma nursing home on Sunday was found safe in Napa on Monday evening, a Sonoma County sheriff's sergeant said Tuesday.

Sonoma police learned Tuesday morning that 55-year-old Henderson "Buddy" Ashworth had been found at a store in Napa, Sgt. Dave Thompson said.

"He was in good health and in good spirits," Thompson said.

Ashworth was last seen around 2:30 p.m. Sunday in his wheelchair in front of the Sonoma Care and Rehabilitation nursing home at 1250 Broadway, Thompson said.

Ashworth was drinking coffee and appeared to be waiting for a ride, Thompson said. Nursing home staff found his wheelchair at the front doors of nursing home's lobby around 4 p.m. but could not find Ashworth, Thompson said.

Ashworth, who formerly lived in Napa, was recognized by someone in the store. He had a sleeping bag and a warm jacket, Thompson said.

Ashworth had not yet been returned to the nursing home as of Tuesday morning, Thompson said.

"He was voluntarily missing. He's an adult and can make his own decisions until a court says otherwise," Thompson said.

Thompson said Ashworth has some mental disorders and physical disabilities, including a knee fracture that limits his mobility.

Copyright © 2013 by Bay City News, Inc. -- Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.

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