The San Juan County Sheriff’s Department issued this statement at 12:27 p.m. Thursday regarding the search for burglary suspect Colton Harris-Moore:

The extensive search for Colton Harris-Moore continues on Orcas Island. The search is part of the ongoing investigation into the activities of this fugitive and intensified during the early morning hours.

The search is focused on the westside of Orcas Island. This is a very isolated and very rugged area where only a few homes are located. Ground and air access to the area is being controlled. Residents are asked to report any suspicious persons or activities to the Sheriff’s Office.

Harris is wanted for multiple burglaries and thefts on Orcas Island. He is also wanted in connection with burglaries and thefts in Island and Snohomish counties.

Personnel from the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office are leading the search, with assistance from Whatcom County and Snohomish County dog tracking teams, two five-member tracking teams from the Marysville Police Department, FBI personnel, and air support from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Service.

There is no other information available at this time. An updated press release will be provided at approximately 4:30 p.m. today.

The Sounder talked to Sergeant Steve Vierthaler, who has been stationed on the west side of Orcas for going on seven hours. He wouldn’t say what tipped the authorities off to that portion of the island, but he said the police department has been receiving two to three “Colton sightings” per day.

“We’ve chased so many leads,” Vierthaler said. “Anyone who is young and over six feet tall, we’ve been getting calls about.”