WARREN, Pa. – Gov. Josh Shapiro made a quick stop in Warren on Tuesday to thank law enforcement and also meet with one of the heroes in the capture of Michael Burham, Tucker the chocolate lab mix.
Shapiro made a swing through Northwestern Pennsylvania on Tuesday, which also included stops in Erie and Union City.
“I wanted to come by and thank all of our law enforcement partners,” Shapiro said. “Of course our state police, first and foremost, but our partners at the local and federal level for their incredible work in apprehending the suspect,” Shapiro said.
Burham escaped from the Warren County jail just before midnight on Thursday, July 7 and was captured on Saturday, July 15 on Jackson Run Road just outside of Warren.
Ron and Cindy Ecklund were enjoying a quiet Saturday afternoon on their porch when their dog Tucker went bolting towards the woods after spotting Burham. The Ecklunds had a brief interaction with Burham before calling 9-1-1, Burham was apprehended a short time later, ending an eight-day manhunt.
“I got to play ball with Tucker,” Shapiro said. “We had a good time with Tucker.”
Burham is facing escape and kidnapping charges in Pennsylvania and is the primary suspect in the May 11 shooting death of 34-year-old Kala Hodgkin inside her William Street home in Jamestown. He is also suspected of setting fire to another woman’s car in Jamestown.
Shapiro also touted Warren County’s recreational opportunities during a stop at the Warren County Visitors Bureau.
“Also really wanted to come by and say to our tourism friends here that folks should get out and about around Warren County and Western Pennsylvania, take a hike, enjoy some family time, and camp,” Shapiro said. “My family and I love being outdoors. It’s just a beautiful, beautiful part of the commonwealth to explore.”
