A suspect has been identified in the death of a Montana man. Initially it was thought that he had been killed by a bear

Dustin Kjersem, 35, was found dead in a tent near Big Sky, Montana on Saturday, October 12

A suspect is in custody in connection with the death of a Montana man initially suspected killed in his tent by a bear.

On Wednesday, October 30, the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed release that they had “identified a suspect” after the body of 35-year-old Dustin Kjersem was found on Saturday, October 12, in a tent located approximately 4 km off Moose Creek Road, north of Big Sky in Montreal.

“The suspect is currently in custody on unrelated charges. The suspect is cooperating with our detectives,” Sheriff Dan Springer said in a news release, adding that the suspect led them to “evidence” in the case.

“The investigation into this homicide continues. The suspect is believed to have acted alone and is no longer a threat to the community, Springer said, without disclosing the man’s name.

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“Further details and allegations will be released soon, but it is important that this community knows they can safely resume outdoor activities. The sheriff’s office will not comment on this investigation until charges are filed,” the release said.

Springer also thanked sheriff’s detectives “for their relentless pursuit of justice in this case.”

“They worked day and night for almost three weeks, with limited sleep, limited time with their families and limited time for themselves. Their first priority was the safety of this community and the need to locate Dustin Kjersem’s killer,” the sheriff said. .

“It is this type of dedication that makes the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office and all law enforcement officers exceptional. This community should be proud of the men and women who have chosen a life of service to keep you, your families and friends safe, Springer urged, also thanking the many other agencies that helped work on this case.

Kjersem, of Belgrade, Montreal, was last seen on Thursday, October 10, before his body was found two days later at around 10:07 a.m. local time.

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Springer concluded in the latest release: “Our thoughts and prayers remain with the family of Dustin Kjersem. We hope that, in some small way, our efforts will bring them some peace in this terrible time. Our entire community mourns with you.”

On Thursday, October 24, the sheriff’s office confirmed that it was searching for multiple items that were “possibly taken from the crime scene” in releaseincluding a camp axe, shotgun, revolver and refrigerator.

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The person who found Kjersem’s body initially thought it was the result of a bear attack. However, the state Fish, Wildlife and Parks agent found no evidence of bear activity in the area, the sheriff’s office said in an Oct. 15 letter. release.

“This prompted investigators to treat the case as a homicide. “Evidence collected during the autopsy additionally indicated that it was a homicide,” the sheriff’s office said at the time.

“This incident was a brutal attack and detectives are working hard to develop and follow up on leads,” they added earlier.

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s contact.