The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office has officially assumed the role of lead investigative agency in the ongoing manhunt for Travis Decker, the father accused of murdering his three young daughters at a remote campsite in Washington state.

In a clarification issued Wednesday, the department shared with Fox News Digital that the Wenatchee Police Department is no longer the lead agency amid the ongoing manhunt 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. 

The department is coordinating with state and federal partners in an intensive search effort that includes aerial surveillance, tracking dogs and backcountry patrols.

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.