Individual Charged with Attempted Murder Arrested After Escaping Psychiatric Facility and Becoming Trapped in Muddy Pond

A man facing attempted murder charges, who had absconded from an Oregon psychiatric facility while thoroughly restrained, was apprehended last Friday when law enforcement discovered him struggling in a mud-filled pond.

Identified as Christopher Pray, the man was discovered submerged up to his armpits in a Portland pond, according to a statement by the Oregon State Police. Members of the Portland Fire & Rescue team successfully extracted him from the muddy environment utilizing ropes. Subsequently, Pray was transported to a medical facility. Although he initially provided a fabricated name, an employee at the hospital recognized him, leading to police notification.

The Oregon State Police are currently conducting an investigation to ascertain how Pray managed to evade capture on Wednesday while en route to the Oregon State Hospital in Salem. Despite being restrained with leg shackles, a midsection chain, and handcuffs, Pray seized an opportunity to take control of the transportation van when the driver briefly exited the vehicle. He then made his getaway by commandeering the van.

In Multnomah County Circuit Court, where Portland is situated, Pray is now facing a litany of charges including but not limited to attempted murder, robbery, assault, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. He had been transferred to the Oregon State Hospital on Wednesday after being deemed unfit to stand trial, as per court documents.

Attempts to solicit comments from Pray’s legal representative remained unanswered as of the latest update.

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More about escaped psychiatric patient

• Oregon State Police Official Statement
• Multnomah County Circuit Court Records
• Portland Fire & Rescue Operations Report
• Oregon State Hospital Admission Criteria and Procedures
• Legal Definitions: Attempted Murder, Robbery, and Assault Charges