SALEM, OREGON: An attempted murder suspect who escaped from a psychiatric hospital in Oregon while fully shackled was arrested after he was found buried up to his armpits in a muddy pond in Portland.
Christopher Lee Pray, who was termed as an “extremely dangerous” felon, broke free from police custody on Wednesday, August 30, but much to his disappointment, Pray's freedom was short-lived.
According to Fox News, videos and images showed Portland Fire & Rescue personnel extricate the man using ropes from atop a ladder that was suspended over the small body of water.
Police said that Pray gave a false name but a hospital employee recognized him and authorities were called.
Christopher Pray fled the hospital in a Dodge minivan
Meaww previously reported that the 39-year-old escaped from custody while shackled at the arms, legs and stomach, and fled the hospital in a Dodge minivan.
Pray was taken to the Oregon State Hospital in Salem by medical staff when he suddenly took control of the vehicle and drove off at around 10.30 pm, a spokesperson for the facility said.
The shocking event led state troopers on a high-speed car chase on Interstate 5 southbound for some time, but they had to pull back out of safety concerns.
“Pray is considered extremely dangerous and should not be approached,” Oregon State Police said in a statement at the time.
It still remains under investigation how he was able to get hold of the wheel from the hospital worker while wearing handcuffs which were connected to shackles on his legs along with a belly chain.
What crimes did Christopher Pray commit in the past?
Pray has served time behind bars before and has at least 16 previous felony convictions on his record for several charges.
These charges include first-degree robbery, being a felon in possession of a weapon, smuggling contraband into prison and resisting arrest.
The escapee was found unfit to proceed with trial earlier this week, according to court records reviewed by the Associated Press.
Pray was also involved in "an altercation with another patient" shortly after he was admitted, state hospital spokesperson Amber Shoebridge said in a statement.
It has also been reported that he has a habit of running from the officers. He attempted to flee in criminal cases in June and August 2022.
What charges does Christopher Pray face?
The inmate faces charges of first-degree robbery, attempted aggravated murder, assault and felon in possession of a firearm in connection to an armed robbery and shooting in which he is accused of nearly claiming the life of a woman in Multnomah County.
