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NATCHEZ — Adams County Sheriff Travis Patten said the manhunt involving Wildlife and Fisheries, Natchez Police Department and Adams County Sheriff’s Office Deputies with drones and K9s has come to a close while the man they were looking for is still at large.

Authorities spent several hours Saturday combing the woods and neighborhoods from Quitman Road to Auburn and Duncan Avenue to Homochitto Street but could not find Edward Wells, who is wanted for failure to register as a sex offender and has an active Mississippi Department of Corrections Warrant for removing his ankle monitor, Patten said.

“We believe the suspect may have broken containment before the perimeter was set up, therefore, we’re calling the search in this area but we’re asking citizens to remain calm but remain vigilant. If they see this individual, please call 911.”

Patten said Wells has a large spiderweb tattoo on his neck and was last seen wearing blue jeans and a blue shirt.

“We’re asking (the public) not to take matters into their own hands, but if you see something please say something. … This search is now converting from a search to an investigation, but we will knock on every one of his family, friends and loved ones doors until we find and locate this individual. And we want the public to know that during our investigation and search for Edward Wells, if we find out that you harbored, helped, or assisted him in any way you will be charged too. Right now, we’re asking everyone to just remain calm but remain vigilant.

“And again, if you see this individual please call 911 immediately.  If you know of his whereabouts but want to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers (at 888-442-5001). You have our word, no tip will go uninvestigated. We need the public’s assistance locating this individual.”