Search for father Travis Decker intensifies as county sheriff’s office takes charge.

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

On Wednesday, it was clarified that the Wenatchee Police Department is no longer leading the investigation into the whereabouts of Decker.

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

The Sheriff’s Office is working alongside state and federal authorities to conduct a thorough search, utilizing aerial surveillance, K-9 units, and patrols in remote areas.

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.