YOUNGSVILLE, N.Y. — The search for escaped prisoner Michael Burham continued Thursday in Pennsylvania, where state police urged people to be on the lookout for gear and supplies that he might be using while eluding law enforcement officials.
Lt. Col. George Bivens of the Pennsylvania State Police on Thursday afternoon started a news conference next to a picture of a backpack, which was wrapped in a dark-colored tarp and concealed under a log.
Bivens said police believed the items belonged to Burham. He declined to say exactly where it was found, but said it was located outside of Warren, Pa., in a wooden area, not far from where he escaped from the county jail last week. Bivens said the bag contained "clothing, some food, and some other materials that someone might need if they were trying to exist in the woods."
Bivens said no weapons were found "in this particular bag," and that state police were testing the items found in the bag. He said police were confident that Burham remained in the area, adding that some portions of Allegheny National Forest, located south of Warren, have been closed to the public.
Investigators said they believe that Burham may be armed because of his previous behaviors. He should not be approached because law enforcement believes him to be armed and dangerous. People in the area are advised to keep all doors locked.
The Deputy Superintendent also said that advice applied to residents in southwestern New York State, where Burham may have relatives and acquaintances in Chautauqua County.
Bivens says police have spoken to some family members, but he would not discuss whether they are cooperating with police.
In past press briefings, Bivens said it was thought that someone was assisting Burham. He has warned anyone could be charged and face prosecution if they are doing so.
He added that they have some leads as to reports about someone flying a drone in the vicinity of the Warren County Prison on the night of the escape a week ago.
Again, there have been some break-ins and sightings of Burham. Bivens says some have been deemed to be credible while others are not. He would get into details about where they occurred.
If you see Burham or know any information that could help in the search, you're asked to call 716-483-8477.
The U.S. Marshals service had added to the reward fund, which now totals $22,000 for information that leads to his capture.
Lt. Colonel Bivens did explain more about the resources involved in the search which involves about 200 law enforcement officers from mostly state and federal agencies now. That includes the Pennsylvania State Police as lead agency along with the U.S. Marshal's Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Bureau of Forestry, Pa. Department of Natural Resources, and Pa, Department of Corrections.
In addition there is a New York State Police trooper detailed as a liaison at the command post in Youngsville, Pa.
Bivens says while they have sufficient resources committed to the search effort they are mindful of costs for taxpayers as they weigh that with the public safety risk posed by the escaped inmate.
Bivens was also asked what message he would like to deliver to Burham, if he was watching the news conference.
"You need to surrender," he said. "Don't do anything foolish that gets anyone else hurt. Don't get yourself hurt. We are going to capture you. We are going to bring you back to the criminal justice system. This just needs to end."
You can watch the full press conference below: