Warren, Pa. (WBEN) - Michael Burham, a primary suspect in the homicide of a Jamestown woman back in May, has managed to escape from the Warren County Jail in Pennsylvania.
It was just before midnight where it was determined that Burham's escape was from the recreation yard at the Warren County Jail.
"He was considered a prisoner that when transported from one part of the jail to another, he was restrained. But because he was in a recreation area, he was not at the time," said Warren County public information officer Cecile Stelter during a press briefing Friday afternoon. "He elevated himself on top of a piece of exercise equipment, and was able to exit the yard to a metal gated roof. He then used bedsheets that he tied together, and was able to escape to the ground from the rope. He was on foot."
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According to officials in Warren, Burham was last seen wearing an orange/white striped jump suit, a blue denim jacket and Crocs.
Stelter says the immediate City of Warren area has been searched and canvassed by law enforcement, and the search area has now been expanded. She adds it's hard to determine exactly how far the search radius has expanded.
"This individual is known to possess survivalist skills, and as I said earlier, he is considered to be dangerous," Stelter said. "Law enforcement is using some of his past actions, as well as information they obtained from him while he was in custody to develop a search radius and plan."
Jamestown Police has urged citizens in the region to lock their doors and stay vigilant.
Burham is the lead suspect in the murder of 34-year-old Kala Hodgkin back on May 11. No charges have been filed against him, though, as the investigation into the murder continues.
He is also suspected of arson crimes in the city as well.
Resources being used in an attempt to track Burham following his escape are foot resources, motorized - ATV, UTV - canine and aerial, both drone and aircraft.
"I believe all the resources are being concentrated on his recapture, and keeping the public safe," Stelter said. "We want to keep everyone safe. Again, we do not want people engaging with this individual in any way, and we want to get him recaptured as soon as possible."
Stelter further asks everyone to be aware that this situation is occurring, and use care when going out. The City of Warren is not recommending any kind of stay in their home order or anything like that, but they want residents to be aware of any changes they may see, and report those changes or abnormalities to law enforcement by calling 9-1-1.
Burham was the subject of a recent expansive manhunt that spanned several states and was ultimately captured in South Carolina. This after having kidnapped a Warren County couple and taking them to South Carolina.
Anyone in Jamestown with additional information is asked to call the Police Department's anonymous tip line at (716)-483-8477.