A red sedan is pictured May 11 parked on Fulton Street in Jamestown. A man wanted for questioning in connection to a woman’s death is facing several charges related to the vehicle fire. P-J photo by Eric Tichy

A man sought for questioning in connection to last week’s homicide in Jamestown is also now wanted on a host of charges for a vehicle fire that broke out around the same time.

On Monday, the Jamestown Police Department said arrest warrants have been issued for 34-year-old Michael C. Burham in relation to the fire on Fulton Street. Firefighters were alerted to the blaze around 4:30 a.m. Thursday, moments after police were called to William Street for an unresponsive woman.

The woman, later identified as Kala M. Hodgkin, was pronounced dead. A homicide investigation remains ongoing.

Burham is wanted for questioning in connection to Hodgkin’s death. He’s now been linked to Thursday’s vehicle fire on Fulton, with warrants issued on charges of third-degree arson, fourth-degree criminal mischief, endangering the welfare of a child and two counts of second-degree criminal contempt.

Jamestown police did not outline Burham’s role in the fire, which destroyed a red sedan that had been parked on the side of the road. Both the homicide and vehicle fire occurred about a half hour after a large fire broke out at an oil distribution business on Crescent Street. That blaze, ruled accidental, is not connected to Burham.

Michael C. Burham

The 34-year-old man, who has not been found despite several agencies involved in his search, also is wanted on charges of first-degree rape and unlawful imprisonment in other cases. His last known address is Ashville.

“We are very actively looking for info on the whereabouts of this dangerous fugitive,” said Capt. Robert Samuelson of the Jamestown Police Department. “We are asking that anyone who may have had contact with Michael Burham since last Thursday to contact us immediately.”

In 2020, Burham was taken into custody on charges of disorderly conduct and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon after an altercation broke out during a rally near City Hall in Jamestown. About 100 people turned up downtown on May 31, 2020, to protest the killing of Minneapolis resident George Floyd.

“Officers observed two males subjects engaged in a verbal fight with another subject while a large group was gathered at that location,” Jamestown police said at the time. Officers reportedly observed Burham and another man possess and display a folding knife during the altercation.

Meanwhile, Crime Stoppers WNY on Monday said it is offering up to $2,500 as a reward for information leading to Burham’s arrest.

Police Chief Timothy Jackson said Burham should be considered “armed and dangerous.” On a tip, his truck was located Thursday evening in Warren County, where searches have focused in addition to the Chautauqua County area.

Crime Stoppers WNY serves Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany counties. It is described as a nonprofit public service organization that assists law enforcement agencies.

Anyone with any information regarding Burham is asked to contact the Jamestown Police Department at 716-483-7537 or the anonymous tip line at 716-483-8477. All calls and tips will be kept confidential.

Crime Stoppers WNY can be reached at 716-867-6161 or through the “Buffalo Tips” app.