Decker manhunt: Officials reopen Icicle River area
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Decker manhunt: Officials reopen Icicle River area
Authorities have reopened Icicle River Road and nearby recreation areas in Chelan County. Travis Decker is wanted on probable cause for murder in the deaths of his three daughters. The children’s bodies were found earlier this month west of Leavenworth. Decker, who is believed to be armed and highly skilled in survival, has been the subject of an intensive multi-agency manhunt across remote areas of Washington state. The search continues; officials are urging residents and visitors to remain alert. the public to continue helping in this search,” the sheriff’s office said.
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CHELAN COUNTY, Wash. — Authorities have reopened Icicle River Road and nearby recreation areas in Chelan County as the search continues for Travis Decker, a former Army Ranger wanted on probable cause for murder in the deaths of his three daughters.
The children’s bodies were found earlier this month west of Leavenworth. Decker, who is believed to be armed and highly skilled in survival, has been the subject of an intensive multi-agency manhunt across remote areas of Washington state.
“We will be removing the roadblocks and opening the Icicle River Road as we have determined there to be no credible threat in that area,” the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement Saturday evening. “We have notified the USFS that they can reopen the recreation areas as well.”
It was not immediately clear which specific areas were deemed safe for public access, or where the search would shift next. The sheriff’s office did not respond to a request for clarification by 8 p.m.
Roughly 100 officers from multiple local, state, and federal agencies have been involved in the search. Investigators spent several days canvassing dozens of structures, river sections, and forested terrain near Decker’s last known location. Officials say they continue to follow leads developed through public tips and search warrants.
Though the area is now open, officials are urging residents and visitors to remain alert.
“We ask the public to continue helping in this search,” the sheriff’s office said.
Residents are being asked to review security or doorbell camera footage for any possible sightings of Decker. Those venturing into the woods or other recreation areas are encouraged to report anything suspicious and, if possible, note the time and GPS location.
On Friday evening, Gov. Bob Ferguson authorized the deployment of Washington National Guard resources, consisting of helicopter transport for law enforcement personnel. The sheriff’s office called the assistance “invaluable,” citing the urgency and complexity of the ongoing search.
Meanwhile, the Canada Border Services Agency said it is working in coordination with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to identify wanted individuals and protect communities on both sides of the border.
Anyone with information about Decker’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 509-667-6845.