Video: Fugitive Michael Burham captured in Warren County

YOUNGSVILLE, P.A. (WKBW) — Pennsylvania State Police have taken suspected killer Michael Burham back into custody, nine days after he escaped from the Warren County Jail.

Burham was apprehended around 5:50 p.m. in the woods in Conewango Township, about two hours after police received a call on their tipline about an encounter with a suspicious person.

Investigators say a couple who lives on Jackson Run Road heard their dog barking and went to investigate. That's when they encountered Burham and asked what he was doing on their property. He told the couple he was camping, but state police say the homeowners recognized him from media reports and called police as Burham headed into the woods.

A team of state and federal law enforcement officers responded to the area immediately. Investigators say Burham encountered troopers as he approached Logan Road, where they had set up a perimeter. He then tried to hide but was approached from behind at gunpoint by U.S. Marshals, Border Patrol, and Pennsylvania State Police. He was taken into custody without incident.

State police say Burham did not have any weapons in his possession. He was wearing his jail-issued pants inside out and was dirty and wet, said Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens.

Burham will be arraigned Saturday night on escape charges. He will not be returning to the Warren County Jail, Bivens said. Police are also looking into whether he received any help while on the run.

Bags that were found in the woods in Warren County Thursday were traced to Burham through DNA. Ammunition was found inside a bag, which led police to believe he may have been armed.

Burham is accused of kidnapping a couple in Pennsylvania in May and driving them to South Carolina, where he was later arrested.

He is also a suspect in the murder of Kala Hodgkin of Jamestown. Hodgkin's body was found in her home on May 11, just days before the alleged kidnapping.

Pennsylvania State Police say more than 200 law enforcement officers were utilized as part of the manhunt for Michael Burham since he escaped on July 7.

On Friday, police showed doorbell camera video they say they believed showed Burham, but earlier on Saturday police said that was in fact not him.

The Warren County Commissioners released the following statement following his capture:

The Board of Commissioners of Warren County expresses its deepest regret for the recent unfortunate incident that resulted in the escape of an inmate from our correctional facility nine days ago. We are again profoundly sorry for the anxiety and unrest this event caused within our community and wish to acknowledge that the escape underscored some weaknesses within our existing systems.

However, we are pleased to announce that the inmate has been apprehended and is again in custody. We are grateful for the extraordinary efforts put forth by local, state, and federal law enforcement officers. Their unwavering dedication, collaboration, and meticulous work in tracking down and apprehending the escapee should be recognized and lauded.

This incident has provided a stark reminder of the importance of continued vigilance, constant system upgrades, and strengthened security measures. We want to reassure the public that we take this incident seriously. Lessons have been learned and will be applied in a comprehensive review of our security protocols to ensure such an event does not recur.

Moving forward, the Prison Board is committed to enhancing the quality and effectiveness of our prison management systems. This commitment includes undertaking a rigorous investigation into the circumstances that led to this escape and implementing necessary reforms to avoid future incidents. We will work closely with our stakeholders and partners within the county and the Commonwealth to bolster our defenses and improve our strategies.