The Oregon State Police (OSP) have provided a more detailed account of last weeks series of incidents when a patient at the Oregon State Hospital, identified as Christopher Lee Pray, stole a state-owned Dodge Caravan on Wednesday, August 30. The crime sparked a high-speed chase, endangering public safety, and ended with Pray’s dramatic capture days later.
On Wednesday night, at around 10:45 P.M., Oregon State Police received a report of a vehicle stolen by Pray, who had been a patient at the Oregon State Hospital. Troopers were immediately dispatched to the scene, arriving approximately 20 minutes later. The situation quickly escalated as authorities identified Pray as the suspect wanted for Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle (UUMV) and Escape.
Initial investigations revealed that Pray, who had been admitted to the hospital earlier that day due to a cafeteria altercation, had somehow managed to seize control of the transport vehicle and flee from the hospital grounds.
The pursuit led Pray onto Interstate 5 southbound, with Keizer Police initially giving chase. The Oregon State Police joined in, but due to policy constraints, they had to terminate the pursuit near the Santiam Rest Area.
As the investigation unfolded, authorities became aware of Pray’s criminal history, his hospital commitment, and potential threats to the community. They immediately alerted other agencies and issued a stepwise alert to inform the public.
The search culminated on Friday, September 1, 2023, when Pray was found in a muddy pond near the intersection of North Force Ave and North Victory Blvd in Portland. Portland Fire and Rescue rescued Pray, who was subsequently transported to Legacy Emmanuel Medical Center. Hospital staff recognized him from previous media coverage and alerted the Portland Police Bureau, leading to his capture.
Christopher Pray is now in custody at the Multnomah County Jail, facing charges related to the vehicle theft and escape.
On Saturday, September 2, the stolen state vehicle was recovered at the intersection of NE 19th Ave and NE Glisan St in Portland.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have withheld further details at this time.
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Source: OSP
