SALEM, Ore. (AP) — A man described as “extremely dangerous” managed to commandeer a van from Oregon’s psychiatric hospital and drive away, though his hands were shackled to his waist, the state police said.
Christopher Lee Pray, reported as a fugitive from Oregon State Hospital. (Multnomah County Sheriff via Oregon State Police)
Christopher Pray, 39, was last seen Wednesday night heading south on Interstate 5 in a white van.
An employee of the Oregon State Hospital was injured during the escape, spokesperson Amber Shoebridge said.
Pray had just arrived Wednesday at the hospital, in Salem. He had been in custody in Portland on charges including attempted murder and was transferred after being found unfit to proceed with trial.
Shortly after he arrived at the Salem facility, he was in an altercation with another patient and was taken elsewhere for medical treatment. As he was being brought back around 10:45 p.m., he was “able to gain control of the van and drive away,” Shoebridge said.
At the time, Pray was “fully restrained with leg shackles, a belly chain, handcuffs, and a restraint connecting all three together,” the state police said.
The police asked anyone who sees Pray to call 911.
The van is a white 2016 Dodge Caravan with no logo. It has a yellow Oregon plate, E265614.
Christopher Pray:
6 feet tall, 170 pounds
Stitches in upper lip
Tattoos including “Pray” on his right arm and “Supreme” on his neck.
Last seen in white T-shirt, maroon sweatpants, black rubber slippers
