CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, NY (WKBW) — As the massive search continues for suspected killer Michael Burham, you might remember a similar search for a wanted fugitive that spanned five months in Western New York.
Ralph ‘Bucky’ Phillips, who was originally from the town of Stockton in Chautauqua County, sparked one of the largest manhunts in New York State history. It took five months to track Phillips down in Warren County, Pennsylvania.
“We received hundreds of calls every day -- on sightings within Chautauqua, Erie, and Cattaraugus,” remarked a state trooper in 2006.
From April to early September of 2006, the hunt Phillips dominated headlines.
Three state troopers were shot. Trooper Joseph Longobardo died from gunshot wounds and Phillips was placed on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list.
“Why is he so hard to catch? Number one. People don't call us right after they see him, absolutely, unbelievable,” stated State Police Superintendent Wayne Bennett, a 2006 news briefing for Phillips.
Phillips escaped by cutting open a kitchen roof with an industrial can opener at the Erie County Correctional Facility in Alden.
Many draw parallels between this case and the recent escape of murder suspect Michael Burham.
"I kind of got that hair on the back of my neck standing up — it just kind of was a quick flash-back to 17 plus years ago and it brought back a lot of emotion," reflected Trooper Steven Nigrelli, acting superintendent, New York State Police.
Nigrelli recalling how difficult it was for state police in tracking Phillips.
"It was the assistance that Phillips got from family and friends that enabled him to evade capture for many months. I really hope that if anybody is family or friends or acquaintances of Mr. Burham, they are not offering assistance. They are not helping him evade capture," declared Nigrelli.
"With any luck, Mr. Burham will not be out and about as long as Mr. Phillips was but yes definitely what's the old saying -- Deja vu all over again,” recalls Tracey Burnecz, first assistant district attorney, Chautauqua County District Attorney’s Office.
Brunecz, also a Chautauqua resident, remembers the Phillips search very well.
“I do find it surprising. I would have thought that lessons might have been learned from the Bucky Phillips situation,” Brunecz remarked.
“A little bit eerie in some ways that that's happening?” Buckley asked. “Eerie is a good word,” replied Brunecz.
“The danger that's being placed on law enforcement, I think is really eye-opening of what could happen?” Buckley questioned. “Very much so. We definitely saw that with Bucky Phillips, he did end up pleading guilty to murdering and attempting to murder the three troopers. And it's a reminder of how dangerous their jobs are, particularly in a situation like this,” Brunecz responded.
Phillips was captured in early September of 2006 and is serving 25 years to life in prison at a correctional facility in Malone, New York.
Officials are asking residents to stay safe and to call (717) 265-9650 or (717) 265-9651 if they see anything suspicious.
