WARREN, Pa. (EYT) – Authorities updated the public regarding the search for a Warren County inmate considered a highly dangerous individual who escaped on Thursday.
According to a release issued by Warren-based State Police on Saturday, July 8, various law enforcement agencies are continuing to search for 34-year-old Michael Burham, who escaped from the Warren County Jail in the late hours of Thursday, July 6, and early morning hours on Friday, July 7.
Police say Burham is a “self-taught survivalist” with military training and could be potentially held up in a wooded area.
The initial search began in Warren City, but it has now expanded to surrounding areas.
Authorities have “no reason to believe” Burham has left the general area surrounding the Warren County Jail, police say.
Burham was last seen wearing an orange and white striped jumpsuit, a denim jacket, and orange Crocs. However, he may have changed clothing, according to police.
He is considered armed and dangerous, and the public is asked not to approach him.
US Marshals have issued a $7,500.00 reward and Warren County Crime stoppers offered a $2,000.00 reward for information leading to his apprehension.
According to police, this remains a very fluid situation and active investigation.
State Police Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens spoke at a press event on Sunday afternoon, July 9, at the Youngsville Fire Hall and noted that “stockpiles and small campsites” were found during the search.
Bivens would not detail the contents or where the campsites were found, but he said it is a “piece of the information we’re considering.”
“As a result of those searches, we have located some small stockpiles or campsites in wooded areas in the general vicinity in Warren, and we believe these sites are associated with Burham,” Bivens continued.
Although he didn’t provide any specific locations that have been investigated, Bivens confirmed that the investigation has expanded a “significant distance” into the Allegheny National Forest.
While he would not dive into the specifics of Burham’s service, Bivens said that Burham has the background of an Army reservist.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact PSP Warren at 814-728-3600 or call 9-1-1.