Initial reports that George Hardin had been captured in Putnam County proved to be unfounded. Putnam County Sheriff’s Department Public Information Officer Laura Hull told 1057 News this morning they had no information to report.

Hardin is wanted in the kidnapping of a Crossville neighbor on Sunday afternoon. The woman, whose identity is not being released by 1057 News, managed to escape at Obed River Market in Clay County. Hardin eluded police and fled into the woods nearby.

Chief Deputy Rick Lisi of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office told 1057 News minutes ago that Hardin still has not been apprehended.

“We sent out several cadaver dogs yesterday in an effort to locate him if he is deceased,” Lisi said, “but that was unsuccessful, so the search is continuing today.”