The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office has taken over as the primary investigative agency in the search for Travis Decker, the father suspected of killing his three daughters at a secluded campsite in Washington state.

On Wednesday, the department informed Fox News Digital that the Wenatchee Police Department is no longer leading the search for 32-year-old Decker.

The shift in jurisdiction comes as the investigation continues to focus on rugged wilderness areas within Chelan County, where Decker was last seen. 

They are working closely with state and federal authorities, utilizing aerial reconnaissance, tracking dogs, and patrols of remote areas in an extensive search operation.

Authorities said Decker, a former Army infantryman with survival skills, may have used his rugged survivalist capabilities to evade capture. Authorities previously described him as “dangerous,” warning residents not to approach him and describing him as armed. 

“This is someone with military training, someone who’s lived off-grid before,” Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison said. “We’re dealing with a highly capable survivalist who may be using the terrain to his advantage.”

If convicted, Decker could face a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. 

Fox News’ Julia Bonavita contributed to this report.