A harrowing incident unfolded in Oregon when a mother discovered her son had been brutally attacked through a news broadcast. The report described how her son, Christopher Thomas, 33, walked into a Denny’s restaurant with a severe throat injury, so deep that his trachea was visible, according to law enforcement officials.

Deborah Thomas, Christopher’s mother, recounted her shock and gratitude in an interview with local CBS affiliate KOIN. “I … freaked out,” she admitted, expressing her deep appreciation for the Denny’s employees who immediately assisted her son. “They saved his life,” she added.

The alleged perpetrator, Christopher Parkins, faces charges of attempted murder, assault, and unlawful weapon use. Authorities reported that Parkins was apprehended with a knife concealed in his sleeve, the handle gripped in his hand.

Christopher Thomas had managed to reach the Denny’s on North Center Avenue in Portland after being randomly attacked by Parkins in a nearby strip mall parking lot. Police investigations revealed that Parkins, who had recently become homeless, was reportedly under the influence of methamphetamine and whiskey, and had been awake for several days leading up to the attack.

Court documents, as cited by The Oregonian, indicate that Parkins expressed a sense of disconnection from reality, allegedly saying, “Everything feels like it’s not real, like real.” The documents confirm the severity of the attack, noting the deep slash to the victim’s throat.

Deborah Thomas shared further details with KOIN, saying, “I heard that he came up from behind Christopher. Blindsided him.”

Christopher Thomas underwent surgery and is currently recovering. His mom credits the staff at Denny’s for rushing to save his life.

“If it would have been any longer, he would have bled to death,” she said. “There are very very good people, and I’m so thankful for them.”

Parkins is being held without bond and has a preventative detention hearing scheduled for May 4.