ROCKPORT — Rockport police are investigating the discovery of human remains found near the former Rockport Elementary School property at around 6 p.m. Friday.

The discovery was made by two people hiking in a wooded area near the property on West Street. The remains are being transported to the Medical Examiners Office in Augusta for identification. Camden Police, Maine State Police and Maine Marine Patrol are assisting in the investigation.

“We do not believe foul play was involved or there is any threat to the public. More information will be available after positive identification has been made by the Medical Examiner’s Office,” Camden/Rockport Chief Randy Gagne said Friday night.

The location where the remains were found is an area that was the subject of multiple searches following the disappearance of Jared Paradee.

There have been no sightings of the 43-year-old Paradee since Feb. 19, 2022. Paradee was living at a motel in Rockport near the intersection of Routes 1 and 90 when he was last seen. He was a well-known community member in Rockland and could frequently be seen along Main Street. He had worked at Rock City Coffee Roasters and In Good Company.