CHERRY TWP — State and federal law enforcement authorities continue their manhunt for a felon after he narrowly eluded capture Friday near the Moniteau High School in northern Butler County.

State police believe 45-year-old Kevin L. McFadden of Emlenton may have stolen a car near the school to aid his escape.

His getaway followed a more than seven-hour search near the school on Route 308. Police used the Moniteau complex as a staging area for the search between 1:30 and 9 p.m.

Numerous troopers participated in the operation that employed tracking dogs and a police helicopter.

“The National Crime and Information Center lists him as armed and dangerous,” police Lt. Eric Hermick said this morning.

He is wanted on a probation violation.

McFadden has a history of violent crimes including those against police.

Agents for the U.S. Marshal’s Service reportedly spotted McFadden driving a Chevrolet Suburban sometime Friday near a strip mine in Slippery Rock Township.

They gave chase but at some point lost him. State police in Butler were notified and assisted in the search.

Later, troopers about 3:30 p.m. found the Suburban in a field along Pleasant Valley Road near Moniteau High School.

Police suspect that he stole a blue, 1996 Volvo 850 Series model from the area.

McFadden is described as white, between 5 feet, 9 inches and 5 feet, 10 inches tall, and heavy set, possibly weighing 280 pounds or more.

Anyone with information is asked to call state police at 724-284-8100, or 911.