VIDEO: Deep dive into search for Travis Decker as flight path shifts north

The search for Travis Decker, the man accused of kidnapping and killing his three young daughters in Chelan County, continues.

Helicopters have been seen circling the Wenatchee forest for days. KIRO Newsradio’s Luke Duecy did a deep dive into law enforcement’s search for Decker Thursday morning, which can be viewed above.

Authorities believe they have Travis Decker surrounded

Law enforcement is hot on Decker’s trail, the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office confirmed in a press conference Wednesday.

“All we need is one mistake,” Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison said.

Deputies believe they have picked up footprints of Decker. They have also recovered more items they believe he left behind. Morrison is confident they have Decker surrounded.

Deputies said they are actively tracking Decker, believing he’s still in the mountains. Law enforcement officials stated they are following his trail, which has led to the Ingalls Creek Trailhead near Blewett Pass.

“We are asking for the public, especially those who live or have cabins in the area, to remain highly vigilant and report any suspicious activity,” the sheriff’s office wrote.

Law enforcement receives tip for ‘lone hiker’

Authorities received a tip from a hiking party who said they spotted a “lone hiker” in the Enchantments area. They said he appeared to be ill-prepared and was avoiding others. Tracking teams then found the hiker near Colchuck Lake, who ran from helicopters, according to law enforcement.

Multiple K9 teams followed his path into the woods, and now more than 100 officers are actively searching the area.

“If you have been in the Enchantments area within the last week and have seen anything suspicious, please contact the tip line with any information you may have,” the sheriff’s office stated. “Additionally, if you were a solo hiker in the area recently, please contact the tip line immediately with your information so investigators can follow up with you.”

Law enforcement has asked locals to stay vigilant.

“Please secure your homes and vehicles, stay alert, and report any suspicious activity to 911,” the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office stated. “Residents and visitors will see a visible increase in law enforcement presence tonight as a precaution. Your safety remains top priority. If you see something, say something.”

Dozens of deputies and federal agents are hyper-focused on areas along Highway 97, just 10 miles south of Leavenworth.

“This is the first time talking to all of my different law enforcement sources that they feel they have narrowed in,” KIRO 7 reporter Brooke Griffin said. “They said that they feel really good about this. We’re all a little anxious in these kinds of situations. These guys are highly trained, but if we’re feeling the anxiety, these guys probably are too.”

Investigators found Decker’s blood at the scene where the bodies of his three daughters were discovered. Law enforcement officials don’t know if Decker is armed.

“Heavy, heavy, heavy law enforcement presence,” Griffin added. “It could be setting up a perimeter. Out of the eight days I’ve been here, this is the most I’ve seen.”

Gov. Ferguson deploying National Guard, emergency funds to aid in search for Travis Decker

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson announced he will use emergency funding to aid in the search for Decker. Ferguson will also be using resources from the Washington National Guard.

“Tonight, I am tapping emergency funds and ordering Washington National Guard resources to support the search for Travis Decker, who is suspected of killing his three daughters. At the request of the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, we will be providing helicopter transportation for law enforcement as they search in remote areas.”

A federal arrest warrant has been issued for Travis Decker after authorities said he fled the area and may be attempting to escape prosecution.

Decker allegedly used Google to search ‘how to move to Canada’

According to a newly filed affidavit from U.S. Marshals Service Deputy Keegan Stanley, Decker is charged with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution in addition to three counts of aggravated first-degree murder and three counts of first-degree kidnapping.

The affidavit, obtained by KIRO 7, stated that Decker used Google to search phrases like “how does a person move to Canada,” “how to relocate to Canada,” and “jobs Canada.” These searches occurred on May 26, less than a week before the girls were reported missing.

He also visited the official Canadian job website.

The three daughters’ remains were found in a campground less than a dozen miles from the Pacific Crest Trail, which stretches to the Canadian border.

The U.S. Marshals believe Decker could be in remote terrain with the intention of eluding law enforcement.

Decker, a former soldier who failed to complete Ranger School and avid outdoorsman, is known to possess extensive knowledge of wilderness survival and could be utilizing these skills to evade capture. He is trained in long-distance movement, navigation, and off-the-grid living, according to authorities working the case.

Authorities noted that Decker once lived off the land in remote terrain for more than two months.

Contributing: Julia Dallas, MyNorthwest; Luke Duecy, KIRO Newsradio

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