Search For Escaped PA Prisoner Enters 4th Day: Latest Updates

WARREN COUNTY, PA — More than 150 officers are involved in the search for a "self-taught survivalist" with a violent criminal history after he escaped from his jail cell Thursday in northern Pennsylvania.

Michael Charles Burham, 34, escaped from the Warren County Jail Thursday night and should be considered armed and dangerous, said Pennsylvania State police. He was being held on a $1 million bond for kidnapping, burglary, and other charges, according to state police.

Officials believe him to still be in the general Warren area, and ask residents to be alert and secure their homes, vehicles, and weapons. The search area encompasses wooded areas near the Allegheny National Forest and into New York.

Burham is a suspect in a homicide who also faces arson and burglary charges, according to city police. He was also associated with the kidnapping and carjacking of a local couple while trying to evade escape, Warren police added.

Lt. Col. George Bivens of the Pennsylvania State Police said Monday that more than 15 local, state, and federal agencies are involved in the search. The U.S. Marshals Service added additional resources to make sure Burham "will be pursued by the full force of law enforcement," Bivens said.

Authorities said Sunday that they discovered "small stockpiles and campsites" in wooded areas around Warren that they believe are associated with Burham. Bivens did not go into specific detail, but said the supplies "would assist him with prolonged stays in the woods.”

Officials said Burham escaped using exercise equipment and tied-together bed sheets. He has military training and is a "self-taught survivalist" who could potentially be holed up in a wooded area, state police said. Residents should call 911 if they see him.

Authorities are also concerned that Burham “may be receiving assistance” from someone, and Bivens said anyone who helps him will be prosecuted.

Bivens added that Warren Police will investigate if he got any help escaping from inside the prison.

Burham was last seen in a jail-issued denim jacket, orange striped jumpsuit, and orange Croc-style shoes according to Warren Police. Pennsylvania State Police added that he could have changed clothes by this point, as the search for him began Friday morning.

Burham is 5'10" and approximately 160 pounds, according to the U.S. Marshals Service, which is offering a $7,500 reward for information leading to his capture. Warren County Crime Stoppers are offering a $2,000 reward as well.

Burham has brown eyes and brown hair, and a tattoo of a tiger on his outer right arm. He also has a left inner forearm tattoo, according to images posted by Warren Police.

"Burham has an extensive and violent criminal history and should be considered armed and dangerous," said the Marshals Service.

The search was concentrated in Warren County, but has extended to surrounding areas including parts of New York. Warren is located just outside the Allegheny National Forest, about 20 miles southeast of Jamestown, N.Y.

"The public is asked to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious," said Warren Police on Saturday. "Burham is considered dangerous and should not be approached. Please call 911 immediately if he is spotted."

The city of Warren announced that its summer playground program would be closed Monday amid the manhunt. The county school district said all summer programming at Beaty Warren Middle School would be canceled, including summer food service and meal prep at all city playground sites.