New leads in manhunt for Pennsylvania prison escapee
Authorities in Pennsylvania are continuing their search for escaped inmate Michael Burham, who is believed to still be in the area around the northwestern Pennsylvania jail. Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens stated at a news conference on Tuesday that Burham is likely receiving help as he evades the 200 law enforcement officers searching for him.
Burham escaped from the Warren County Prison on Thursday by climbing workout equipment to reach the roof and then using a rope made of sheets to lower himself down. Surveillance footage from the jail shows Burham and other inmates walking in and out of his cell, according to a criminal complaint filed by the city of Warren.
Authorities have described Burham as “armed and dangerous” and possessing survivalist skills and military reserve experience. He was detained on arson and burglary charges and is also a suspect in a homicide. Warren police have also linked Burham to a prior carjacking and kidnapping of a local couple while attempting to evade capture.
Lt. Col. Bivens stated that evidence suggests Burham is still in the area. “We continue to find items. Those lead me to believe that there is still a likelihood that he is here,” he said. Tips have been coming in regularly, including reports of sightings of Burham, but none of the investigations have yielded results so far.
Investigators have been conducting rapid DNA tests at cabins and other locations where break-ins have occurred, but none have been matched to Burham. However, some results are still pending. Lt. Col. Bivens assured reporters that the search efforts have intensified and he is confident that Burham will be captured. “We’re not going away. We absolutely will be incarcerating you again. It’s only a matter of time,” he said, addressing the escapee. He also warned anyone assisting Burham that they will be prosecuted.
The court documents obtained by CNN also reveal details of the alleged kidnapping that led to Burham’s initial arrest in May. He kidnapped an elderly couple, David and Jessica Anundson, at gunpoint from their home in Sheffield, Pennsylvania. Burham then drove them to the North Charleston, South Carolina area, where he forced them out in a cemetery before fleeing. The couple was in fear of serious bodily injury or death during the ordeal.
Law enforcement believes that Burham had been watching the couple’s residence for about a week before the kidnapping took place. The search for Burham continues, with authorities determined to bring him back into custody.
CNN’s Laura Dolan, Kristina Sgueglia, Nic Anderson, and Artemis Moshtaghian contributed to this report.
What steps are law enforcement agencies taking to ensure the safety of the public during the search for Burham
Bstantial knowledge of the local area, including potential hideouts. The ongoing manhunt has led to several new leads, as authorities continue to receive tips and gather evidence.
Lt. Col. Bivens emphasized that the search for Burham is a top priority, and law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly to locate and apprehend him. He acknowledged that Burham is likely receiving assistance from outside sources, which has made the task more challenging.
Burham’s escape from the Warren County Prison was a carefully executed plan. Using workout equipment, he managed to reach the roof and then descended using a makeshift rope made of sheets. The jail’s surveillance footage captured Burham and other inmates coming and going from his cell, providing crucial evidence for the investigation.
Burham’s dangerous nature and familiarity with the area make his capture a matter of utmost urgency. Law enforcement officials are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings or suspicious activity immediately.
As the manhunt intensifies, authorities are following up on new leads and systematically searching known locations. They are also increasing patrols in the vicinity to prevent any potential harm to the public.
The ongoing cooperation between various law enforcement agencies, including state and local authorities, is instrumental in expediting the search and ensuring that no stone is left unturned. Authorities are combining their resources and expertise to bring Burham to justice swiftly.
The community’s involvement in this critical situation is crucial. Authorities are urging residents to stay vigilant, lock their doors, and report any potential sightings or suspicious activities in order to aid in the swift capture of Burham.
Despite the challenges posed by Burham’s escape, law enforcement remains dedicated to ensuring the safety of the community. With every new lead, the manhunt gains momentum, and the chances of apprehending the fugitive increase.
The search for Michael Burham continues, and authorities are confident that with the public’s assistance, justice will prevail, and he will be brought back into custody.
