State police are searching for a patient who commandeered an Oregon State Hospital van and escaped Wednesday night from the Salem facility’s custody.

Christopher L. Pray, 39, had just been brought back from the emergency room at Salem Hospital around 10:30 p.m. when he took control of the van and fled, according to Amber Shoebridge, state hospital spokeswoman.

Pray was transferred to the state hospital earlier that day from the Multnomah County Jail to determine whether he is mentally fit to assist in his own defense against pending criminal charges, including attempted murder.

“That evening, the patient was in an altercation with another patient and needed to be transported to a local emergency department for medical care,” Shoebridge told Salem Reporter in an email. After returning to the state hospital, “the patient was able to gain control of the van and drive away.”

He escaped around 10:45 p.m., stealing a white 2016 Dodge Caravan with Oregon license plate E265614, Oregon State Police announced in a news release Thursday morning. 

“At the time of his escape, he was fully restrained with leg shackles, a belly chain, handcuffs, and a restraint connecting all three together,” state police said in the news release.

The agency said Pray eluded law enforcement driving southbound on Interstate 5 Wednesday night. Police stopped pursuing him due to safety concerns, and his whereabouts are unknown.

Police said Pray is considered extremely dangerous and should not be approached. People should call 911 to report any suspected sightings of Pray or the vehicle.

Pray is 6 feet tall, 170 pounds with brown hair, brown eyes and stitches on his upper lip. He has a tattoo reading “PRAY” on his right arm and “S” on his right forearm.

Court records show Pray has five criminal cases pending in Multnomah County which are on hold pending a determination that he’s fit to aid and assist in his own defense.

A Multnomah County grand jury indicted Pray on May 3 on charges of attempted second-degree murder with a firearm, robbery, assault and unlawful use of a weapon. Court documents say the crimes he is accused of occurred in March 2022.

Though he was seen heading south from Salem, he has ties to the Portland area. He was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, maroon sweatpants and black rubber slippers.

Shoebridge said the state hospital is conducting its own investigation of the incident.

The state hospital cares for about 500 Oregonians with mental illnesses and disabilities who are court-ordered to receive treatment. People unable to understand criminal charges against them or assist in their own defense are supposed to receive treatment at the hospital, allowing them to participate in the criminal justice system and understand their legal rights and responsibilities.

Contact reporter Ardeshir Tabrizian: [email protected] or 503-929-3053.

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