Fugitive at center of FBI search captured after being spotted in South Carolina

HUGER, S.C. (WMBF/WCSC) - A fugitive whose been on the run for four days is now in custody after being spotted in South Carolina, according to a report.

WMBF News’ sister station, WCSC, reports that Michael Burham was arrested in Berkley County at around 5:15 p.m. Wednesday.

FBI spokesman Kevin Wheeler said Burham was wanted for rape, unlawful imprisonment, kidnapping and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution and is also a suspect in a homicide in New York state.

The capture happened quickly after word got out that a new search had begun back in Huger, where a sighting had been reported Wednesday afternoon.

Charleston County Sheriff’s spokesman Andrew Knapp said Burham was expected to be taken to the Al Cannon Detention Center for medical evaluation.

The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office held a news conference hours before Burham’s arrested urging people for information on Burnham’s whereabouts. Sheriff Kristin Graziano warned the public that the suspect was considered armed and dangerous.

“We need to get this person in custody,” Graziano said. “This guy is dangerous. This is a fugitive. He is desperate, he’s tired, he’s hungry. We have asked the public please do not approach him,” Graziano said.

The search for Burham began Sunday after North Charleston police responded to a business where two people said they were kidnapped by Burnam. The victims told police they live in Pennsylvania and that Burnam kidnapped them and drove them to North Charleston.

The search for Burham went from North Charleston to the Francis Marion National Forest in Berkeley County on Tuesday.

There was a call about a suspicious person on a bicycle on Halfway Creek Road near the town of Huger. Deputies approached the person and determined it was Burham and there was a brief chase, but Burham was able to escape into the woods.

After that escape, the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI and the State Law Enforcement Division were called in to help out.

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