Several dozen SWAT officers have built a one-mile perimeter around a hill in Onyx, after law enforcement received several calls about a man matching the description of an accused killer and kidnapper being in the area.

Steve Williams, a senior deputy with the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, says the community is far from the original search area near Weldon, where 34-year-old Benjamin Ashley was last seen.

“We’re roughly northeast of the original location,” he said. “We’re several miles from there at this point.”

Williams says several homes in the community were evacuated Friday.

Ashley is accused of kidnapping three men, killing a dentist and injuring two SWAT deputies in a shootout. He is considered armed and dangerous.

If you see a person who matches Ashley’s description, you’re urged to call (661) 392-4360.

– Anthony Pollreisz