‘It’s not even real’: Oregon man runs into a Denny’s and beats death with the help of an employee

Christopher Thomas is currently recovering after surviving a brutal attack that left his trachea exposed. On April 19, the 33-year-old stumbled into a Portland, Oregon, Denny’s with a severe slash to his throat, relying on the quick thinking of a bystander and Denny’s staff to stay alive. 

Per People, the events began in a nearby parking lot where a witness noticed a commotion. According to an affidavit, the witness saw Thomas stumble backward while the suspect, 39-year-old Christopher James Parkins, fell as if he had been pushed. Thomas managed to run toward the Denny’s, and the witness assisted him in getting inside the building with a severe neck injury, necessitating a quick response.

Thomas’ mother, Deborah, later expressed her deep gratitude for their actions. She told KOIN 6 News, “I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart.” She added, “Because if it would have been any longer, he would have bled to death. There are very very good people, and I’m so thankful for them.”

Honestly, props to them, I would have likely frozen

Parkins was apprehended by authorities, who found him carrying a 3-inch to 4-inch fixed-blade knife. The blade was reportedly partially concealed by his sleeve when officers located him. He is currently being held without bond at the Multnomah County Detention Center. 

Court records indicate that Parkins has pleaded not guilty to several charges, including one count of attempted murder, one count of assault in the first degree, two counts of assault in the second degree, and one count of unlawful use of a weapon. A preventive detention hearing is scheduled for May 4.

The details surrounding Parkins’ mental state at the time of the arrest are quite disturbing. After being read his Miranda rights, Parkins reportedly told authorities that he had been awake for several days and had been smoking methamphetamine. He also mentioned that he had been drinking the night before and had recently lost his housing, leaving him to stay on the streets. 

When an officer questioned him about what caused the altercation, Parkins gave a confusing response, stating, “Everything feels like its not even real, like real.” While he claimed he did not “remember fighting with anybody or remember cutting anybody with his knife,” he did acknowledge that he recalled running after hearing police sirens. The fact that he was in such a detached state makes the survival of the victim even more fortunate.

Deborah mentioned that her son was unhoused at the time of the attack, though she noted she is unaware of what specifically incited the violence. In fact, being homeless comes with a lot of danger. She learned about the attack from a friend and eventually saw a news clip about the incident. 

She remains focused on the heroism of those who helped her son, stating, “I’m very thankful that whoever was there, who saw, that helped him, they saved his life.” Thomas underwent surgery following the incident and is continuing his recovery.