Authorities finally apprehended Michael Burham, a 34-year-old Pennsylvania inmate, who had been on the run for nine days following his daring escape from Warren County Jail.
The army veteran and self-taught "survivalist" escaped on July 6 by rappelling from the facility's roof using a makeshift rope constructed from bedsheets.
Burham was considered "armed and dangerous," and more than 200 federal, state, and local police officers from 15 agencies were involved in the extensive search effort.
A breakthrough came when a homeowner in Cnewango Township spotted Burham in his backyard after investigating his barking dog.
The homeowner recognized the fugitive, leading to a brief conversation during which Burham claimed to be on a "camping trip."
The homeowner promptly alerted the police, who quickly surrounded the forest area near Warren, Pennsylvania, where Burham was hiding.
After a tense pursuit, Burham was taken into custody around 5.50pm on July 15. He appeared "tired" and "worn out" upon arrest.
Clad in his orange prison jumpsuit, which had been turned inside out, Burham will not be returning to the jail he escaped from over a week ago.
Pennsylvania State Police Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens expressed relief at the successful capture, as there were concerns about potential harm to citizens or law enforcement officers during the manhunt.
Burham was facing numerous charges related to arson, kidnapping, and burglary when he escaped, as well as allegations of sexually assaulting and shooting his ex-girlfriend, Kala Hodgkin, of Jamestown, New York.
The charges in New York led to an interstate crime spree that ended in his arrest in South Carolina after 11 days on the run in May.
Burham, known as a "survivalist," had evidence of small stockpiles or campsites in wooded areas near Warren County, prompting authorities to urge residents to stay vigilant and secure their homes.
A reward of $7,500 had been issued for information leading to his capture.
Meanwhile in another news, a tragic murder-suicide claims the lives of a father and 8-Year-Old Son. See details here
Comments
Post a Comment