An inmate suspected of several crimes, including the murder of a New York woman, escaped from a Pennsylvania jail using tied-up sheets, sparking a massive multi-agency manhunt and warnings from officials that it is “very dangerous” and You shouldn’t get close to him.
Michael Charles Burham, 34, was discovered missing in the recreation area of the Warren County Jail early Friday morning. He “soared” over some exercise equipment and left the yard through a room with metal doors, Warren County spokeswoman Cecile Stelter said at a news conference Friday afternoon. He then used sheets that he tied up to lower to the ground.
Staff realized Burham was missing minutes after his escape, Stelter said, noting that he was under video surveillance while at the recreation area.
“He is considered dangerous because of his past actions,” he said. “And the public is asked to stay away from it, but if they see anything unusual to call 911.”
Warren authorities said Saturday that Burham’s whereabouts are unknown and the search has spread beyond the city. Stelter said Burham has “survival skills” and is comfortable living in wooded areas.
Warren police asked residents to check their security cameras for any possible sightings of Burham, who was wearing a jail-issued blue jean coat, white and orange pants and orange shoes when he escaped.
“The public is asked to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious,” police posted in Facebook. “Burham is considered dangerous and should not be approached. Call 911 immediately if you see it.”
More than 10 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies are assisting in the manhunt.
Burham was being held at the jail, located about 11 miles from the New York southwest border, in connection with a robbery and arson, according to Stelter. He is also charged with kidnapping a Warren County couple and is a suspect in the May 11 murder of Kala Hodgkin of Jamestown, New York.
He evaded arrest and led authorities on a multi-state manhunt before his capture on May 24 in South Carolina, the Jamestown Police Department in New York said.
