WARREN, PA (WKBW) — Pennsylvania State Police are working to locate fugitive Michael Burham, who escaped from the Warren County Jail Thursday night.
Burham, 34, is suspected of killing 34-year-old Kala Hodgkin in Jamestown in May. He was also the target of a nearly two-week manhunt after investigators say he kidnapped a couple in Pennsylvania and forced them to travel with him to South Carolina before letting them go unharmed. He was later taken into custody without incident in South Carolina.
Investigators believe Burham escaped around 11:20 p.m. Thursday. They say he used exercise equipment to get onto the metal gated roof, then used tied bedsheets to climb down from the roof to the ground.
UPDATE: Officials say Burham was in a recreation yard when he escaped.
— Kristen Mirand WKBW (@kristen_mirand) July 7, 2023
He got on top of exercise equipment and exited through a metal gated roof — using tied bed sheets to lower himself down and ran off.
Officials say usually he’s restrained when moved around the jail. @WKBW pic.twitter.com/08cFGAG97E
He was last seen wearing an orange and white jail jumpsuit, a blue denim jacket, and Crocs.
HAPPENING NOW:
— Krizia Williams (@krizia_williams) July 7, 2023
Here in Warren County - Jamestown officials say Michael Burham has escaped from the Warren County Jail.
Police have blocked off some parts of the building and are actively look for him.
The sheriffs office says they will have updates coming soon @WKBW pic.twitter.com/nURanAo25C
Jamestown is about 30 minutes from the Warren County Jail. Police suspect Burham is on foot and are urging residents to remain vigilant and lock their doors.
"The public needs to be very very aware that this person could be dangerous and they should not approach him. They should just call 911 if they see anything," Warren County Public Information Officer Cecile Stelter tells 7 News.
Officials are asking residents to stay safe and to call (717) 265-9650 or (717) 265-9651 if they see anything suspicious.
