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Several residents in the Niton Junction area report seeing the man identified as a person of interest in the disappearance of a St. Albert couple as recently as last Tuesday.

A number of people who live in the area told CTV News they recall seeing Travis Vader driving a light green SUV around the community earlier this week.

Alberta RCMP want to speak with the 38-year-old, who they describe as a violent man with a history of drug use, as part of their investigation into the McCann case. Lyle and Marie McCann haven't been seen since July 3rd when they left their home for a vacation in southern B.C.

Photos

Vader; McCann; RCMP; Niton Junction

Investigators are looking for 38-year-old Travis Edward Vader who has a history of drug abuse and is wanted on multiple outstanding warrants not related to this case.

Lyle and Marie McCann of St. Albert left July 3rd for Chilliwack, B.C. and have not bee seen or heard from since.

Travis Vader's father, who declined an on camera interview, said his family has been trying to help police track down Vader for months. He says his son is a dangerous man.

Some residents, who don't want their identities revealed, believe he may still be in the area around Niton Junction.

"A lot of people think he is around here," a man told CTV News. "He knows the area. He's comfortable. He's got friends."

Many people who live in the friendly and quiet community of Niton Junction remain on edge.

"I think part of the problem, I guess," said one resident, "is they just know what he's capable of."

Some residents of the Niton Junction area say they saw Vader at a bar in Nojack, near the location where the McCann's SUV was found late yesterday afternoon and close to where the couple's burnt-out motor home was found earlier this week.

RCMP forensics teams continue to comb the potential crime scene near the community, approximately 30 kilometres east of Edson.

Vader has lived in the area around Niton Junction for years. He is believed to be the father of at least six children. He's wanted on multiple outstanding warrants not related to this case including possession of stolen property and the unauthorized and careless storage of a firearm.

Bret McCann acknowledges that word of Vader's possible involvement in the disappearance of his parents is a concern.

"This person of interest sounds like a very bad guy so that's worrisome," said Bret.

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Travis Vader is asked to contact police. RCMP warn people not to approach Vader as he is considered dangerous and possibly armed.

So far, the RCMP has received more than 150 tips from the public and have 20 investigators working full-time on the case.

Investigators still want to hear from anyone who may have seen the light green 2006 Hyundai Tucson with the license plate number ZPK 289, during the period of July 5th to July 16th.

Vader is described as:

• Caucasian Male

• Short Red Hair

• Hazel Eyes

• Could have a goatee

• 6'2" tall

• 220 lbs.

If anyone knows of Vader's whereabouts, they are asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

With files from CTV's Bill Fortier and CTV's Janet Dirks.

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