The suspect “led us to the evidence” of the brutal murder of a camper in Montana that was initially thought to be a bear attack

A suspect has been arrested nearly three weeks after a Montana camper was arrested found brutally killed In what was initially reported as a bear attack, authorities announced late Wednesday.

The Gallatin County Sheriff's Office said It had identified a suspect in the murder of Dustin Kjersem, who was found dead in his tent earlier this month. The unidentified suspect was in custody on unrelated charges, according to authorities.

“The suspect is cooperating with our investigators and has led us to the evidence we identified in previous news releases,” the sheriff’s office said.

Kjersem, 35, was found dead earlier this month by a friend who reported that Kjersem had apparently been killed by a bear – but officials soon discovered that the camper was actually the victim of a brutal murder.

The sheriff's office said Wednesday that the investigation is ongoing, but “it is believed the suspect acted alone and no longer poses a threat to the community.”

Last week, authorities said that was the case Find a large axe and other items likely taken from the crime scene. Authorities said they were looking for a blue and silver Estwing camp ax, likely with a 26-inch handle, as well as a Remington shotgun and a Ruger Blackhawk revolver. The sheriff's office said it is also looking for an orange Tundra 45 radiator from YETI.

Earlier this month, a friend discovered Kjersem's body in a tent at a makeshift campsite on Moose Creek Road and called 911. He told emergency responders that the death appeared to have been caused by a bear attack, the sheriff's office previously said.

However, a state wildlife official found no signs of bear activity, and investigators said they soon found evidence of a “vicious attack.” An autopsy later revealed that Kjersem had suffered “multiple lacerations,” including to his skull.

Kjersem's sister, Jillian Price, said her brother was a skilled craftsman and a loving father.

A GoFundMe for Kjersem's children has raised more than $27,000.