Man who escaped mental hospital in shackles found buried up to armpits in mud

03 September 2023 , 17:24

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Rescue crews spent an hour saving a man who refused police help because he didn't want authorities knowing his identity (Image: Portland Fire & Rescue)

A man detained for attempted murder who had escaped Wednesday after being transferred to an Oregon hospital was found Friday buried up to his armpits in mud, according to local authorities.

Christopher Pray was discovered on Friday morning after Portland Fire & Rescue rescue crews were dispatched to a report of a potentially deceased person in a Portland pond. Authorities arrived at the scene on North Force Avenue and North Victory Boulevard at around 8.17am and began communicating with the man, Oregon State Police shared in a release posted on Facebook.

Upon communicating with Pay - who had not yet revealed his identity - rescue crews informed PPB dispatch that police were not needed on the scene and cancelled their response.

Christopher Pray was discovered on Friday morning, just two days after his escape (Oregon State Police)

The man was stuck in the mud and buried up to his armpits, approximately 75 feet from firm ground, authorities shared. Using a rope and ladder, rescue crew members were eventually able to remove the man from the mud. It took roughly an hour to do so, however.

Pray was taken to the Legacy Emanuel Medical Centre for an evaluation but provided a fake name to medical staff. However, a hospital employee recognised Pay and notified the Portland Police Bureau. Officers with the department responded to the scene and confirmed the man's identity before arresting him.

Double killer who slit girlfriend's throat within weeks of release jailed

"We want to thank the vigilant medical personnel who recognised Pray and alerted the authorities," police added in the press released, sharing that they were still investigating the details surrounding Pray's escape.

The man was stuck in the mud and buried up to his armpits, approximately 75 feet from firm ground, authorities shared (AP)

Authorities shared that Pray was in custody at the Multnomah County jail for multiple serious charges, including aggravated murder. At the time of his escape on August 30, Pray was being transported to the Oregon State Hospital.

He escaped at around 10.45pm, driving a stolen white 2016 Dodge Caravan and fled the scene on Interstate 5. "At the time of his escape, he was fully restrained with leg shackles, a belly chain, handcuffs, and a restraint connecting all three together," police shared, adding that the man is considered extremely dangerous.

At the time of his escape on August 30, Pray was being transported to the Oregon State Hospital (AP)

Pray is accused of using a gun to rob and nearly kill a woman in Multnomah County on March 12, 2022. In those charging documents, the district attorney's office noted that because Pray was a felon, he could not legally own a firearm.

The repeat offender also faces charges in connection to a June 4, 2022, incident where he allegedly assaulted his domestic partner with a tool and drove recklessly, according to Oregon Public Broadcasting.

Matthew Wright