WEST CHESTER, PA — A Phoenixville man faces new charges after attempting to escape Chester County Prison by climbing through razor wire and onto a roof before being stopped by corrections officers, authorities said.
According to the Chester County District Attorney’s Office and Chester County Detectives, the incident happened on September 3, 2025, just before 2:30 p.m. A corrections officer noticed several inmates pointing toward an area of razor wire in the prison yard and spotted 35-year-old Thomas Hackett caught in the security barrier near the roofline.
Related posts
Investigators said Hackett managed to push through the razor wire, climb onto the roof, and jump down, but a corrections officer stopped him before he could reach the final perimeter fence topped with barbed wire.
Hackett sustained multiple cuts during the attempt and was taken to a local hospital for treatment before being returned to Chester County Prison later that evening.
Background and Charges
Hackett has been in custody since June 12, 2025, after Phoenixville Police charged him with indecent exposure and open lewdness. Following the escape attempt, he now faces an additional charge of attempted escape from Chester County Prison. A preliminary arraignment on the new charge was scheduled for September 4, 2025.
Ongoing Investigation
Chester County Detectives are leading the investigation in coordination with prison staff. Authorities said the inquiry remains active and urged anyone with information to contact Chester County Detectives at 610-344-6866.
Officials emphasized that all charges are allegations at this stage and that Hackett, like all defendants, is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
