Burham escapes from Warren Co. Jail... and is on the run...
A manhunt is continuing this afternoon for the Chautauqua County man accused of murdering a Jamestown woman last May... and, who escaped from the Warren County, Pa. Jail overnight. The Warren County Sheriff's Office and Jamestown Police sent out a bulletin regarding 35 year-old Michael Burham... who was being held in Pennsylvania for allegedly kindapping two Sheffield residents and forcing them to help him get to South Carolina after allegedly killing 34 year-old Kala Hodgkin. Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt has been monitoring developments... and, says Jamestown Police are taking the lead here.. Schmidt says JPD specifically, has set up a command post, and are working with the FBI and other agencies. Late this morning... Jamestown police issued a statement saying -- "we are asking that if you see Burham, call 911 or the appropriate Law Enforcement Agency having jurisdiction immediately and do not approach or try to apprehend him. Anyone with information is asked to call the Jamestown Police Department anonymous tip line at 716-483-8477. All calls and tips will be kept confidential."
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Burham escaped the jail about 11:20 last night... and, was reportedly wearing orange and white striped jail-issued pants... a white T-Shirt... and, a blue denim jack with "Warren County Jail" lettered on the back.
Schmidt urges the public to be vigilant, and cautious during Burham search...
In addition to the general public at-large... there is a lot of concern for the safety and security of witnesses in Michael Burham's murder case here in Chautauqua County. D.A. Jason Schmidt says that was among the first concerns local authorites had when they learned of Burham's escape late last night. Schmidt says they are aware that Burham has ties to Chautauqua County, and there are a number of witnesses in the murder, and kidnapping cases around here. Police in Warren County -- in a press statement earlier -- urged all residents there to lock their doors and stay vigliant." They added "we do not know where he is at this point." Schmidt said late this morning that's still the case. While not pointing an accusatory finger... Schmidt did say he hopes that if and when Burham is recaptured... that he will be kept under much stricter security.
Jamestown Police, Development officials, hold first community meeting at Allen Park...
Nearly two dozen people were on hand for the first of four community meetings with Jamestown police and development officials. Nuisance, drug and homeless issues were raised during last night's meeting at the Allen Park Pavillion. One of the main issues raised was the noise from vehicles with loud engines... and, racing on some city streets. Police Chief Tim Jackson says they hired a Nuisance Officer in late May... and, he's been busy. Jackson adds he's "made a huge impact..." and he's neared 100 tickets being issued for such smaller crimes. JPD Captain Scott Forester... who is Traffic Division Commander... says they can move one of their speed trailers to those trouble spots. Forester adds they're also applying for another Governor's Traffic Safety Board grant to deal with such issues. At the same time... Jackson and Forester say their officers can't be everywhere at once. Jackson urged people to call their "non-emergency" numbers to reports nuisance crimes at 661-7090... or 483-7537.
Five people arrested in Dunkirk following drug raid...
Five Dunkirk residents have been arrested following an early morning drug raid in the north county city that also led to seizures of a gun and cash. Sheriff's deputies say they were assisted by The Dunkirk Police SRT Team... and, Jamestown police... in concluding a two-month long investigation in alleged drug trafficking at 111 Dove St. shortly before 5 a.m. Thursday. Officers say they arrested 41 year-old Justin Schuk... 35 year-old Arlena Rivera... 44 year-old Jodi Messere... 35 year-old Draonn Richardson-Copeland... and 62-year-old Karen Schuk. They also found Justin Schuk's two young two children inside. Investigators say they seized just under 10-grams of fentanyl... 6.9 grams of cocaine... 1.13 grams of crack cocaine, scales and packaging material... a .22-calibur rifle... and, $1,451 cash. Justin Schuk... Rivera... Messere Richardson-Copeland each face two counts of third... and two more of fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. They also face various other drug-related charges... while Justin Schuk is also charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon... and, two counts Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Rivera was also charged two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Karen Schuk was charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child and first-degree criminal nuisance. All five were arraigned and released with appearance tickets.
Woman hospitalized after alleged hit-and-run accident in Lakewood...
A woman was injured when she was struck by a dark-colored sports utility vehicle in the parking lot of the Wal-Mart SuperCenter in Lakewood Wednesday night. Lakewood-Busti Police say officers were called to the sceneon Fairmount Ave. about 8:30 p.m., and, learned the SUV that struck the woman fled the scene. Police say the woman was transported by ambulance to UPMC Chautauqua Hospital. Meantime... police are looking for the suspect vehicle... described as a 2011-to-2018 model Range Rover with front end damage. They add the SUV might have a temporary license plan in the rear window. Anyone with any information regarding the Range Rover.. or the driver... is asked to call Lakewood-Busti Police at 716-763-9563.
