Warren County, PA (WBEN) As the search for murder suspect Michael Burham enters its 4th day, reporter Ed Drantch, with WKBW-TV in Buffalo, was struck by the lack of urgency he witnessed around the city of Warren, Pennsylvania on Monday.
"I'm going to be totally honest with you. I took a long walk around the Warren County jail here, and there is very little activity within the general vicinity of the jail," Drantch told WBEN's Susan Rose on Monday morning. "This is a very rural part of Pennsylvania, sitting at the foot of the Allegany National Forest. There are houses all around the jail. Houses all around the courthouse. Neighborhoods that are bustling with activity this morning."
Drantch added, people have not locked their doors in 40 or 50 years here. Now they are being advised to do just that.
Pennsylvania State Police told reporters over the weekend that they found campsites or provisions that they believe are connected to Burham. They did not say exactly what was found or where exactly it was found.
"Are you sensing that it's a normal Monday morning in the community? Rose asked Drantch. "I don't know if you can hear in the background, but there's someone just mowing their lawn and weed whacking right now, across the street from the jail. So, as much as police are telling people to lock their doors, and lock their cars, it's business as usual it seems. I've seen people walking around. It really is a very odd situation." Adding, "This is a suspected killer who is on the run."
Drantch spoke to Warren County Sheriff Brian Zeybel Monday morning. "He's embarrassed by the whole situation," he said.
Are drones and helicopters visible in the area, Drantch was asked. "Susan, I see nothing, nothing," said Drantch. When I walked into the jail earlier this morning, the doors were open, as they were unlocked. I spoke to a Lieutenant who said they don't know if visitations will restart anytime soon. There is a sign on the door that says visitations are canceled for the weekend. It's up to the prison board. The chair of the prison board is Sheriff Zeybel who said he's embarrassed that this even happened. The prison board was meeting in executive session on Monday to try to figure out how in the world Burham pulled off the escape."
