Witnesses saw Hilton and his reddish dog with Emerson on "multiple occasions" Tuesday before she disappeared, Verdone said.

CNN: Person of interest in missing hiker case in custody

On Thursday, Verdone said police confirmed that a water bottle and a leash found in the area belonged to Emerson.

CNN: Person of interest in missing hiker case in custody

One eyewitness noted the license plate on a 2001 Ford Astro minivan registered to Hilton in DeKalb County, Georgia, Verdone said.

CNN: Police looking for 61-year-old man seen with missing hiker