HUGER, S.C. – Berkeley County Council and Sheriff Duane Lewis recognized a Huger couple for the role they played in helping law enforcement capture dangerous, FBI fugitive Michael Burham.
According to the FBI, Burham, 34, had been on the run for days following a spree of alleged crimes, which included a sexual assault in Jamestown, New York and the kidnapping of an elderly couple in Pennsylvania. He is also linked to a homicide case that occurred on May 11.
For four days, hundreds of law enforcement – federal and local – actively searched for Burham.
On May 24, 2023, Huger residents Anthony Phillips and Kirsten Kroover helped authorities apprehend Burham after they found him hiding behind their home on United Drive, Sheriff Lewis said at Monday night’s council meeting.
While checking their property and shed, the Huger couple said they discovered a pair of shoes near the well pump house that didn’t belong to them.
After their family dog started growling and barking, they went to investigate. That’s when they said they discovered Burham hiding behind their shed.
Burham reportedly told the couple that, “He didn’t want to hurt anyone and asked them to let him go” before grabbing his shoes and fleeing into the woods.
County officials said Groover immediately grabbed her phone and called 911 to report the encounter and provide as much information as possible to the dispatcher.
SEE ALSO:
- FBI Fugitive Michael Burham Captured in Berkeley County
- FBI: Fugitive Michael Burham May Be Hitchhiking
- Manhunt Underway in Huger For Wanted FBI Fugitive Michael Burham: BCSO
“Through the media, we asked folks to please check their property to make sure their property was secure, and they did not see any suspicious activity. This particular couple actually did what we asked them to do. They went out, checked their property, and lo and behold, found the suspect behind their property, and had a little bit of a confrontation with him,” Sheriff Lewis said.
“The actions of Miss Kirsten Groover and Mr. Anthony Phillips is a true testament of their willingness to serve their community and fellow citizens of Berkeley County,” he continued.
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By spotting a simple pair of unfamiliar shoes, the pair helped end a massive manhunt and keep the community safe, county officials said.
At Monday night’s Berkeley County Council meeting, the couple was recognized for their heroic actions, receiving a special Civilian Service Award and a monetary reward. Along with council, the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office and an FBI representative presented the honors. The FBI also plans to recognize the pair at a later date.
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