Authorities stymied in their search for the man accused of killing a Cleveland grandfather urged the public to send any and all leads their way Tuesday morning, as the desperate manhunt entered its third day.
City Police Chief Calvin Williams, US Marshal Pete Elliott and FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen Anthony told reporters that all resources have been poured into tracking down Steve Stephens.
But so far, more than 400 tips from as far away as Texas have led to dead ends, leaving federal and local officers searching through abandoned buildings in the city.
“We’re going to get this individual one way or the other,” said Elliott, adding that the manhunt is also international.
The officials said they remained optimistic the 37-year-old man would be captured, but did not appear to be leaning toward an immediate resolution in the case.
“Some have run for a couple of days, some have run for a couple of years and some have killed themselves after they ran,” Elliott said, offering the possibility that the suspect may have already killed himself.
Police said they have not had any contact with Stephens since Sunday, when they reached him on his cellphone and tried to get him to surrender.
Asked if the investigation has stalled, Williams insisted it had not.
“It all depends on the individual, on their mindset. It depends on whether they’re getting assistance or not,” he said. “When people go on the run, at some point they need help. We’re telling people that the only assistance is to call us and tell us where this person is.”