LAGUNA HILLS A patient who fled from Saddleback Regional Medical Center early Sunday ran across southbound lanes of the 5 freeway and was killed, officials said.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department first received a call from hospital staff around 4:55 a.m. reporting that a patient had run from the hospital, said Lt. Wayne Rehnelt.

Deputies were sent to look for him but were unsuccessful. Minutes later he was located by witnesses on the 5 freeway.

California Highway Patrol arrived on scene and found the man had run east across two southbound lanes and was struck by the driver of a Volkswagen who was traveling at about 70-75 mph., said Officer Rafael Reynoso, a CHP spokesman.

The driver of the Volkswagen was not arrested and the CHP is continuing its investigation. The man’s identity has not been released.

The CHP asks witnesses to call 949-487-4000.