By Eileen Buckley
Cassadaga, NY – It was a week ago yesterday that fugitive Ralph "Bucky" Phillips was last spotted in Chautauqua County. That is where state police continue their manhunt.
Phillips is from the town of Stockton. Trooper Rebecca Gibbons says tells WBFO News Phillips has "extensive ties" to the area.
"But at this point, we are confident he is still here. Until we have him in custody, or otherwise find out he has since moved on, we will continue to search here," said Gibbons.
Phillips escaped from the Erie County Correctional Facility in Alden back in April. He is also wanted for the shooting a state trooper near Elmira in June. The search has now entered into its fourth month.
Gibbons says the Chautauqua County Sheriffs, ECON and forest rangers are assisting in the search. She says Phillips is very familiar with the heavily wooded area they are combing, making it easy for him to elude authorities.
"Anyone who is familiar with this area will know it is a very densely wooded area, with a lot of cover. He is familiar with area. It is where he grew up. There are also a number seasonal cabins, and he has a pattern of burglary and has been relying on those sources as well," said Gibbons.
Police believe some family and friends are helping Phillips hid. But Gibbons says it is Phillips who is deciding the outcome of this investigation.
"It is completely up to him. He can turn himself in. We would be more than happy to take him into custody, and end this peacefully, without anyone being injured. That is what we hope for. There are a lot of family and friends who expressed concerns for his safety," Gibbons said.
State police say anyone who maybe helping Phillips is urged to come forward. If they are caught in aiding or harboring him, they will face prosecution.