Escape attempt thwarted at Chester County prison

Friday, September 5, 2025
WEST CHESTER, Pa. (WPVI) -- New details have been released about how close an inmate came to escaping from the Chester County prison.

Officials say Thomas Hackett, 35, was first spotted by other inmates climbing through security barbed wire near the roof around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Thomas Hackett



Hackett jumped from the roof, but a correctional officer stopped him before reaching the next layer of fencing and barbed wire along the edge of the prison.

Hackett was treated for cuts and is now charged with attempted escape.



Hacket was incarcerated at the prison after being charged with Indecent Exposure and Open Lewdness on June 12 by the Phoenixville Police Department.
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