Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Wednesday, May 1, 2024 73° Today's Paper


Top News

Man who escaped Oregon mental health hospital found stuck in muddy pond

PORTLAND FIRE AND RESCUE VIA AP
                                In this photo provided by Portland Fire and Rescue, a man charged with attempted murder who escaped from a psychiatric hospital while fully shackled is rescued from a muddy pond in Portland, Ore., Friday, Sept. 1. Christopher Pray was buried up to the armpits and was arrested after being rescued.
1/1
Swipe or click to see more

PORTLAND FIRE AND RESCUE VIA AP

In this photo provided by Portland Fire and Rescue, a man charged with attempted murder who escaped from a psychiatric hospital while fully shackled is rescued from a muddy pond in Portland, Ore., Friday, Sept. 1. Christopher Pray was buried up to the armpits and was arrested after being rescued.

PORTLAND, Ore. >> A man charged with attempted murder who escaped from a psychiatric hospital in Oregon while fully shackled was arrested Friday after he was found floundering in a muddy pond.

Christopher Pray was found buried up to the armpits in the pond in Portland, the Oregon State Police said. Portland Fire & Rescue personnel extricated the man using ropes and he was taken to the hospital. Police said he gave a false name, but a hospital employee recognized Pray and police were called.

The Oregon State Police are investigating how Pray managed to escape on Wednesday as he was being taken to the Oregon State Hospital in Salem. Restrained with leg shackles, a belly chain and handcuffs, Pray slid into the driver’s seat of a van he was being transported in when the driver was outside the vehicle and drove away.

Pray faces charges including attempted murder, robbery, assault and felon in possession of a firearm in Multnomah County Circuit Court, where Portland is located. He was sent on Wednesday to the Oregon State Hospital after he was found unfit to proceed with trial, according to court records.

A message left with his lawyer seeking comment wasn’t immediately returned.

By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our guidelines. Having trouble with comments? Learn more here.