WEST CHESTER, PA — A Phoenixville man is facing new charges after authorities say he attempted to escape from Chester County Prison by climbing through razor wire and onto a roof before being stopped by corrections officers.
According to the Chester County District Attorney’s Office and Chester County Detectives, the incident occurred on September 3, 2025, shortly before 2:30 p.m. A corrections officer noticed several inmates pointing toward an area of razor wire in a prison yard. The officer then saw Thomas Hackett, 35, caught in the security barrier near the roofline.
Investigators allege Hackett managed to push through the razor wire, climb onto the roof, and jump down, but was stopped by a corrections officer before reaching the final perimeter fence topped with barbed wire.
Hackett sustained multiple cuts during the escape attempt and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. He was later returned to Chester County Prison that same evening.
Background and Charges
Hackett had been incarcerated since June 12, 2025, after being charged by Phoenixville Police with Indecent Exposure and Open Lewdness. Following the alleged escape attempt, he has now been charged with Attempted Escape from Chester County Prison.
A preliminary arraignment on the new charge was scheduled for September 4, 2025.
Ongoing Investigation
The Chester County Detectives are leading the investigation in cooperation with prison staff. Officials said the inquiry remains active, and anyone with information is asked to contact the Chester County Detectives at 610-344-6866.
Authorities stressed that all criminal charges are allegations only, and Hackett, like all defendants, is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.