West Chester, PA – A 35-year-old inmate from Phoenixville tried to break free from Chester County Prison on Wednesday afternoon, climbing a fence and tearing through layers of razor wire before being stopped just short of the perimeter.

The Chester County District Attorney’s Office said Thomas Hackett, who was jailed in June on charges of indecent exposure and open lewdness, was spotted by corrections officers shortly before 2:30 p.m. after several inmates pointed toward the prison yard fence. Hackett was found entangled in razor wire near the roofline before forcing his way through and leaping to the ground.

Despite clearing the prison yard barrier, Hackett’s escape ended when a corrections officer intercepted him before he could breach the final fence lined with barbed wire.

Phoenixville inmate caught in razor wire during daring prison escape attempt — Photo: phoenixville inmate caught in razor wire during daring prison escape attempt

Hackett suffered multiple lacerations in the failed attempt and was treated at a local hospital before being returned to the prison later that night, officials said. He has now been charged with attempted escape in addition to his pending charges from Phoenixville Police.

The Chester County Detectives are leading the investigation in coordination with prison staff. Authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident to call 610-344-6866.

Key Points

Inmate Thomas Hackett attempted escape from Chester County Prison on Wednesday.
Hackett pushed through razor wire and reached the roof before being stopped.
He sustained cuts, was hospitalized, and now faces an attempted escape charge.

His razor-wire run ended with a trip back behind bars.

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