U.S. Marshals demobilize search efforts in Sawtooth National Forest after locating hiker thought to be Travis Decker
This undated photo provided by the Wenatchee Police Department shows Travis Caleb Decker who the police are asking the public for help in locating the Washington state father who is wanted for murder after his three young daughters were reported missing and then found dead. (Wenatchee Police Department via AP)
The U.S. Marshals Service Greater Idaho Fugitive Task Force said on Wednesday afternoon that authorities located the man multiple witnesses saw at the Sawtooth National Forest, who was believed to be Travis Decker.
U.S. Marshals say the hiker cooperated with law enforcement and is the same height and roughly the same weight as Decker. He also has dark features, a beard, and tattoos on his arm and calf. Investigators interviewed the man and confirmed he was hiking in the Bear Creek area over the Fourth of July weekend.
As of Wednesday, law enforcement says it has stopped searching for Decker at the Sawtooth National Forest and has begun to demobilize their resources.
On July 5, a family visiting the forest reported seeing someone matching Decker's description, prompting authorities to issue warnings about his history of hitchhiking and urging residents not to pick up any hitchhikers in the area.
United States Marshal Brent Bunn is grateful for the public’s assistance with this fugitive investigation and thanks the many law enforcement agencies who provided critical assistance over the past five days.
Authorities are offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to Decker's arrest and urging anyone with information to contact law enforcement immediately.
This story was originally shared by our news partners at KREM2 News.