HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Investigators have identified a specific new person of interest after two recent tips produced credible information in a 17-year-old missing-persons case tied to a rural Reno County road outside Hutchinson, the sheriff’s department said.

Lead investigator Yolanda Novak said detectives are following up on the information and have sent five pieces of evidence for testing. The department did not identify the person of interest or describe the original disappearance, citing the active investigation.

Sheriff’s department spokesperson Miriam Okonjo said investigators are assessing the tips alongside the case file and asking anyone with direct information connected to the disappearance or the rural road to contact the department. Authorities said the new lead is being treated as credible but have announced no charges or resolution in the case.