JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) – Officials in Onslow County have called off an active search for a murder suspect after closing off the area around Gum Branch Road, cow Horn, and Francktown Road on Tuesday.

However, Sheriff Hans Miller said law enforcement will continue to investigate all leads involving Travares Francis Waters, 36 — the man who deputies believe shot and killed Tony Lewis Jr., 32, in March.

Miller said law enforcement was tipped off on Water’s whereabouts leading to a county-wide man hunt for the suspect and that they need the public’s help in locating him.

“If someone is helping him then they could be co-conspirators, Miller said. And we would prefer that if somebody knows that he came back to the area, for them to make a confidential phone call to us or to crime stoppers and let us know where he is, what he’s wearing, which direction he went and if he is operating a vehicle, what vehicle he’s operating.”

Miller also mentioned that he does not believe the community is in any alarming danger, but asked for the community to stay cautious of their surroundings and to stay vigilant.

“At this point we don’t see any eminent danger to the community, but just as a matter of principle, citizens should always be aware…where they are, who is around them and who might be a threat. And always lock your doors. When you come home at night, lock the doors behind you, make sure your vehicles are locked.”

Anyone with information as the the whereabouts of Waters is asked to call the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office at 910-455-3113, Detective Robert Spade at 910-989-4074, or robert_spade@onslowcountync.gov or Crime Stoppers at 910-938-3273.

A $2500 award has been posted for information leading to apprehension or arrest.

Callers to Crime Stoppers are not required to reveal their identities.

Information can also be anonymously texted via Text-A-Tip by typing TIP4CSJAX and your message to 274637.

Please refer to Case 2015-004530 when calling or texting about this case.