Officials then tracked Sweat and closed in on him over the next few hours. CNN reported around 7:30 p.m. ET that authorities were "right on top" of him as nightfall approached.

But at a news conference around 8:45 p.m., Gov. Andrew Cuomo said authorities were not sure where Sweat was located.

>> RELATED: 5 things to know about Richard Matt and David Sweat, escaped New York murderers

According to The Associated Press, Matt and Sweat, 34, cut steam pipes with power tools to escape from the maximum-security prison late June 5 or early June 6. Officials discovered the men were missing the morning of June 6.

About the Author

Featured

Rose Scott signals as Closer Look goes on air in the WABE studio. An Atlanta resident left WABE a $3 million donation, a boost after WABE lost $1.9 million in annual funding from the Corporation of Public Broadcasting. (Ben Gray / AJC file)

Credit: Ben Gray