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NATCHEZ — Authorities found a makeshift tree house in the woods near John A. Quitman Boulevard and Melrose Avenue that is thought to be where a wanted individual might have been living.

Adams County Sheriff Travis Patten said investigators followed a tip that Edward Wells, 53, was sleeping in a tree out in the woods in that area. There, they found a perch like a wooden palette precariously placed in the fork of a tree with a ladder leading up to it and some bedding below.

Patten said he wasn’t sure if Wells might try to return to the area or not but warned residents to keep an eye out for him.

“He doesn’t have many places to go,” he added.

Meanwhile, authorities are still investigating where Wells might be hiding. He has active warrants from ACSO for failure to register as a sex offender and from the Mississippi Department of Corrections for cutting off an ankle monitor.

Patten said a manhunt for wells on Saturday involved the Mississippi Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Natchez Police Department and Adams County Sheriff’s Office Deputies with drones and K9s. 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 Wells.

Anyone who sees him is urged to call 911.

“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.”