SKANEATELES, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) – A multi-agency search continues for a convicted kidnapper and rapist now on the run for nearly 24 hours.

The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision confirming late Thursday afternoon, nearly 18 hours after 61-year-old Christopher Block first removed his GPS monitoring ankle bracelet, that they were searching for the man they call “dangerous.”

NewsChannel 9 was able to confirm through law enforcement sources on Thursday morning that Block, out of prison on parole since December 2018, cut off his bracelet around 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, leaving it in the weeds in a residential area in the Village of Skaneateles. The parole division of the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision was first alerted the bracelet had been removed just before 10 p.m.

Sources say Block was last seen headed into a wooded area toward the Onondaga-Cayuga County line, which prompted a multi-agency search, including the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, which used its deputies, K9s and helicopter to search for Block until Thursday morning, when sources say the efforts were scaled back.

People living in Cayuga County contacted NewsChannel 9, saying they had received calls from 911 overnight, warning them to stay inside their home and lock their doors.

In 1984, Christopher Block was sent to prison for violently raping and kidnapping two women in their 20s with a weapon in the City of Syracuse.

Related Story Breaking down Christopher Block’s criminal history

Block initially received consecutive maximum sentences of 48 to 96 years in prison, but those sentences were later reduced to 25-50 years.

Block, who served 34 years behind bars, was denied parole five times, before he received a conditional release, allowing him to serve the remainder of his sentence on parole.

Block is not believed to be armed, but is considered dangerous because of his criminal history. He is described as 5’10” tall and 170 pounds with brown hair and hazel eyes. He also has a tattoo on his left and right arms, a tattoo on his back and is missing a toe on his left foot.

If anyone sees Block or has any information, they should call 911 immediately. A confidential tip line has also been set up. That number is (315) 428-4752.

Recent mug shots of Block

June 2019

March 2019

December 2018

September 2017

June 2017

Christopher Block was sentenced in 1984. Here is a story NewsChannel 9 did on the day of his sentencing. Mary McCombs was the reporter.