During a news conference on Saturday night, Pennsylvania State Police confirmed that murder suspect Michael Burham has been captured and is now in custody. Tips from residents in Conewango Township led to his apprehension, following his escape from the county jail in Warren, Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens provided details of the operation, stating that the capture took place at 5:50 p.m. after residents on Jackson Run Road reported a suspicious person in the area. Law enforcement agencies swiftly established a perimeter, deploying a significant number of personnel, aviation assets, and K-9 units.
Burham was tracked through the woods, and as he approached Logan Road, he encountered state troopers. In an attempt to evade law enforcement, Burham changed directions but was met by U.S. Marshals, border patrol personnel, and Pennsylvania State Police. He was taken into custody at gunpoint without incident.
Burham will be held at the Erie County Prison while authorities determine the charges he may face, though he will not be returned to the Warren County facility. The capture was made possible in part by a barking dog, which led law enforcement to the area where Burham was found.
Lt. Col. Bivens emphasized that the strategy was to push Burham hard, forcing him to make a mistake, which ultimately led to his capture. Burham was still wearing his prison pants, turned inside out, and appeared dirty, wet, and exhausted.
DNA evidence linked Burham to bags previously recovered in the woods, raising concerns due to the discovery of ammunition. However, no one was injured during the manhunt.
Burham, 34, had escaped from the Warren County jail on July 6 by utilizing exercise equipment, a window, and bedsheets to descend the building. He faced charges of kidnapping, burglary, and other offenses, with a bail set at $1 million.