The manhunt continues for a self-taught survivalist with military training who sprung himself from jail using rolled up bed sheets.
Michael Burham, 34, a suspected arsonist also connected to a murder case, busted out Warren County Jail in Pennsylvania last Thursday night.
Authorities are frantically searching for Burham who has been described by police as "very dangerous."
Over 150 people have been involved in the search and are hot on his trail after following "breadcrumbs" of evidence including a campsite and a stockpile of supplies.
His firearms training and family connections in neighbouring states may be aiding his evasion, it has been claimed.
Lenny DePaul, a now-retired commander of the US Marshals Service’s (USMS) New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force, told the New York Post: “They’re chasing a ghost right now."
But “he’s dropping breadcrumbs. That’s a good thing — those are mistakes on his behalf."
“He could be a survivalist, but so are the US Marshals,” Mr DePaul added. “Once that noose starts tightening and they make that mistake, it’s all over.”
Residents in the area are being urged to lock their doors and "remain vigilant".
Pennsylvania State Police warn residents to consider Burham "extremely dangerous" and suspect he may still be in the area. There are concerns that he may be receiving assistance from others.
Police think investigators “will force him to make a mistake.”
“And when he does, we will use that to our advantage,” Pennsylvania State Police deputy commissioner of operations told reporters.
Burham busted out from the prison recreation yard by "elevating himself" on top of exercise equipment and getting through a metal-grated roof.
Burham was last seen wearing a blue denim coat from the jail, white and orange pants, and orange shoes, Warren police said Friday.
He was also associated with a prior carjacking and kidnapping of a local couple, police said.
"He is considered very dangerous, and the public is asked to be vigilant and report anything out of the ordinary," police said in a Facebook post.
Officials say he escaped by climbing on exercise equipment and using bed sheets tied together.
The search efforts, employing infrared technology, helicopters, and drones, have extended into the Allegheny National Forest.
Authorities conducted a search of a vacant property based on a tip about movement inside. Given Burham's past behaviour, law enforcement believes he may have acquired a firearm or other weapons.
Previously, Burham was the subject of a manhunt after being named a suspect in a murder in New York near the Pennsylvania border. He was eventually arrested in South Carolina and was being held on arson and burglary charges before his recent escape.
A combined reward of $9,500 is being offered for information leading to his capture. Pennsylvania State Police can be contacted at 815-728-3600 for any relevant information.
