Evidentiary searches being done in Williamsport area related to fugitive Pedro Argote
The Washington County Sheriff's Office announced Thursday morning that there will be an increased police presence in the Williamsport area today as authorities conduct additional "evidentiary searches" related to the manhunt for the suspect in a local judge's murder.
The sheriff's office posted the message on its Facebook page to let the community know there is not a safety concern regarding the police presence, according to Sgt. Carly Hose, spokesperson for the sheriff's office.
Local, regional and federal law enforcement agencies are assisting in the greater manhunt for Pedro Argote, 49, of Frederick, Md., wanted in the Oct. 19 shooting of Washington County Circuit Court Judge Andrew F. Wilkinson.
More on Pedro Argote's family situation: MD judge heard 'shocking' evidence in divorce case hours before his killing, tapes show
Argote's silver Mercedes SUV was found Saturday morning on property of the former GST AutoLeather tannery just outside Williamsport. Tactical teams searched the area that day, wrapping up their search early Sunday afternoon.
At that time, the sheriff's office posted on Facebook that, "No further information indicates that Argote is still in the immediate area."
Washington County Sheriff Brian Albert said Saturday that authorities didn't know how long the SUV had been in the wooded area off of Bottom Road.
The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a $10,000 reward for "actionable intelligence which leads to the location and apprehension of Argote," according to the marshal's website.
Anyone with information about Argote "is urged" to contact the U.S. Marshals Service at 877-WANTED2 (926-8332) or to submit a tip through the Marshals' Tips app.
Argote is considered armed and dangerous.
Hose confirmed the sheriff's office has an active warrant for Argote's arrest, with the marshals service posting that Argote is "charged with shooting and killing" Wilkinson.
Wilkinson, 52, was found shot Thursday night in his driveway north of Hagerstown and later pronounced dead at Meritus Medical Center east of Hagerstown.
Earlier that day, Wilkinson presided over a hearing in Argote's divorce case and issued an order saying Argote could have no contact with his children.
Albert has said that Argote was not at that hearing.
Albert, during a news conference the next day, confirmed that authorities believe Wilkinson was targeted by Argote because Wilkinson ruled that the mother should have custody of their minor children.
On Wednesday afternoon, two flower arrangements sat on a bench outside Courtroom 1 in county circuit court.
Administrative Judge Brett R. Wilson confirmed the flowers were sent to the courthouse as condolences for the passing of Wilkinson. The flowers were sent from Ontario, Canada, and Easton, Md.
Services for Judge Wilkinson on Thursday, Friday
Washington County government issued an advisory late Wednesday for local residents to be aware of "potential traffic disruptions" Thursday and Friday.
The locations of those potential disruptions are related to services for Wilkinson's family receiving friends at the Douglas A. Fiery Funeral Home off Eastern Boulevard North on Thursday afternoon and evening, and the funeral Friday morning at St. Ann Catholic Church near Hagerstown's North End.
Judge Wilkinson murder case: Wife of slain judge thanks community for support
Traffic delays are anticipated:
• On Eastern Boulevard North from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday • On Oak Hill Avenue and the surrounding area from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Police: No safety concern with police searches in Williamsport area
