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PORTLAND, Ore. (TCD) — State police apprehended a man who escaped from a mental hospital and stole a minivan while still fully shackled.
According to Oregon State Police, on Wednesday, Aug. 30, Christopher Pray was transferred to the Oregon State Hospital, a psychiatric institution, in Salem after initially being placed in custody at the Multnomah County Jail on “serious charges” that included attempted murder. The same day, at approximately 10:45 p.m., Pray drove off in a white Dodge Caravan minivan and “eluded law enforcement” while driving on Interstate 5.
He was still fully restrained with leg shackles, a belly chain, and another type of restraint that connected the three together. He was last seen wearing a white shirt, maroon sweatpants, and black slides.
Law enforcement officials pursued the car but stopped due to safety concerns.
On Friday, Sept. 1, Oregon State Police announced Portland Fire & Rescue and Portland Police were called to a pond at North Force Avenue and North Victory Boulevard after receiving a report about a “potentially deceased person.” Fire Department officials started communicating with the person in the pond and told police they did not require backup.
According to Oregon State Police, the person in the pond was “stuck in the mud, approximately 75 feet from firm ground, and was buried up to their armpits.”
Officials used a rope and ladder to remove the man from the mud, which took about an hour.
He was transported to a hospital and used a fake name, but a hospital employee reportedly noticed the man resembled Pray. The employee called Portland Police, who arrived at the hospital and confirmed his identity. He was arrested and placed back into police custody.
The Oregonian/Oregon Live reports Pray was on his way back to the Oregon State Hospital in the minivan from the emergency room due to an “altercation” with a fellow patient. One person was injured during Pray’s escape.
He was reportedly arrested in April for first-degree robbery and attempted murder for shooting a woman March 12, 2022. Eleven days later, he allegedly robbed an auto parts story in Portland and fired a gun. He also reportedly faces charges for allegedly assaulting a woman.
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