U.S. Man Found in Mexico Still in Serious Condition

A La Mesa man, found late Friday sitting on a curb in downtown Tijuana after disappearing almost two weeks ago, remained in serious condition Saturday, but his condition has stabilized, a hospital spokeswoman said.

Paul Peterson, 56, who has Alzheimer’s disease, remained at Scripps Memorial Hospital-Chula Vista after suffering from exposure, the nursing supervisor said. She said his condition is listed as serious but stable.

Alzheimer’s disease affects a person’s central nervous system and can cause its victims to suffer memory lapses.

Peterson was the subject of an intensive manhunt led by family members after his Dec. 14 disappearance. About 200 relatives, friends and strangers joined the search.

T.J. Shelley, a San Diego truck driver, recognized Peterson from news reports and contacted San Diego police, who sent their liaison officer in Tijuana, Ron Collins, to the scene.

Collins found Peterson sitting on a curb in downtown Tijuana and brought him to the U.S. Customs Service office at the border. Paramedics there found him to be suffering from exposure, and he was hospitalized.

The nursing supervisor said she didn’t know when he would be released.