- Michael C. Burham
Police are pictured Friday morning at the New York-Pennsylvania state line. Authorities are searching for a man who escaped from the Warren County Jail late Thursday.
P-J photo by Eric Tichy
WARREN, Pa. — An inmate used bed sheets tied together to aid in his escape from the Warren County Jail late Thursday, officials confirmed at a press conference.
A multi-agency manhunt is underway for Michael C. Burham, the prime suspect in the May shooting death of a Jamestown woman and for the kidnapping of a Warren County couple shortly after.
Burham had been jailed at the Warren facility since June 19 when he was last seen around 11:20 p.m. Thursday. Warren police say he wearing orange and white striped jail issue pants, a white T-shirt and a blue denim jacket with white lettering on the back that read “Warren County Jail.”
Authorities have not indicated how Burham managed to escape from the jail, located on Market Street. However, Cecile Stelter, a spokeswoman, said it’s not believed Burham received any help while incarcerated.
His exit just weeks after entering the facility sparked urgent messages by police in Warren and Jamestown for the public to be on alert.
Michael C. Burham
“All citizens are urged to lock their doors and stay vigilant,” Warren police said shortly after midnight Friday. The same message was later sent by the Jamestown Police Department
“We do not know where he is at this point.”
In a short news release Friday morning, Jamestown police asked the public to call 911 or the appropriate law enforcement agency if Burham is spotted. The department advised the public not to approach the suspect.
New York state troopers and Chautauqua County sheriff’s deputies were checking vehicles Friday morning on Route 62 at the Pennsylvania-New York state line.
Jason Schmidt, Chautauqua County district attorney, said local concern lies with potential witnesses in New York, with efforts made to ensure their safety and that of the community. Schmidt also said his office is awaiting test results prior to bringing any charges against Burham in Chautauqua County.
Warren County Sheriff Brian Zeybel escorts Michael C. Burham into the Warren County Jail on June 19.
Photo by Brian Ferry
“I just want everyone to know that we’re fully committed to this case,” the DA said.
Burham’s escape is the latest chapter in what has become a months-long saga. He is the prime suspect in the May 11 shooting death of 34-year-old Kala Hodgkin inside her William Street home in Jamestown. Afterward, the former Chautauqua County resident is accused of setting fire to another woman’s car in Jamestown.
More than a week after Hodgkin’s death, Burham allegedly kidnapped a Warren County couple from their Sheffield home at gunpoint. Using their vehicle, he drove the pair to South Carolina.
The couple was found safe, and Burham was eventually taken into custody after eluding police for days by running through the woods. In June, he was extradited back to New York state where he went before a federal judge in Buffalo.
Burham had been moved to Warren County on June 19. He was arraigned before District Judge Raymond Zydonik on three first-degree felonies – two counts of kidnapping and one of burglary; five other felonies – two counts of aggravated assault and one each of theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, and criminal trespass; 15 misdemeanors; and three summary counts.
Each count of kidnapping carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison and up to a $25,000 fine, as does the burglary charge. The aggravated assault charges carry maximums of up to 10 years and a $25,000 fine each.
Burham has yet to be indicted on any charge in Chautauqua County.
In the meantime, the Warren County Courthouse announced earlier that it will be closed Friday as it is the command post for the search. Pennsylvania State Police are on the scene as are Customs and Border Control agents.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Jamestown Police Department anonymous tip line at 716-483-8477. All calls and tips will be kept confidential.
This is a breaking news story that will be updated.