Summary: Alleged cop-killer Eric Frein, self-taught survivalist, has finally been caught after 7-week search.
The search for Eric Frein, one of the FBI’s most wanted criminals and suspected cop-killer, ended Thursday night in rural Pennsylvania after seven-weeks. The self-taught survivalist evaded capture, despite up to 1,000 officers scouring the mountains looking for him, as he was well-versed in the large woods in the area.
Frein apparently planned his attack and subsequent hiding years in advance. He opened fire outside Blooming Grove state police barracks on Sept. 12 killing Cpl. Bryon Dickson and seriously wounding Alex Douglass.
Frein became connected to the assault when his partially submerged SUV was discovered in the nearby swamp, and within it were found shell casings matching those found at the barracks, as well as Frein’s driver’s license and camouflage face paint.
A further search of the woods turned up an AK-47-style assault rifle with ammunition, two pipe bombs, and soiled adult diapers. Also discovered was a journal detailing his attack on the barracks: “Got a shot around 11 p.m. and took it. He dropped. I was surprised at how quick. I took a follow-up shot on his head-neck area. He was still and quiet after that.”
“He did not just give up because he was tired, “said police Commissioner Frank Noonan, as reported by FoxNews. “He gave up because he was caught.”
Frein had been caught unarmed. He was bound in the handcuffs of slain officer Bryon Dickson.
The nearby town has endured the hardship and strain of the manhunt, with school closings and event cancellations, including a Halloween party and trick-or-treating, which they have decided to once again allow, now that Frein has been caught.
“We, as a town, think the kids have gone through enough,” said Ralph Megliola, chairman of the township board of supervisors.
“It was crazy out here,” said Helen Blockmore, another nearby resident. “The helicopters were out all the time. Nobody was sleeping. Even today they were out. We’re relieved. We’re very relieved. We want things to get back to normal.”
State Police Commissioner Frank Noonan said “the reason this took so long is it’s such a big wooded area that he is thoroughly familiar with.”
“Eric Frein was dedicated to killing law enforcement,” said Noonan. “I can’t think of a more dangerous occupation than going out into these woods and looking for him.”
Prosecutors have vowed to seek the death penalty. Frein is facing charges of first-degree murder, murder of a law enforcement official, and first-degree attempted murder, as well as two counts of possessions of weapons of mass destruction for the pipe bombs.