Suspect named in cop killing

Anya Tikka
Posted 9/30/09

Flanked by Deputy Police Commissioner George Bidek, Pike County DA Raymond J. Tonkin, and other law enforcement officials, Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Frank Noonan unveiled a photo of the …

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Suspect named in cop killing

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Flanked by Deputy Police Commissioner George Bidek, Pike County DA Raymond J. Tonkin, and other law enforcement officials, Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Frank Noonan unveiled a photo of the suspect in the September 12 shooting of Cpl. Byron Dickson who was shot dead, and Trooper Alex Douglass who’s in stable condition after hospitalization.

A warrant had been issued for the arrest of Eric Matthew Frein from Canandensis, PA. Frein is described as a 31-year old white male. He’s approximately 165 pounds, about 6 feet 1 inch tall, with blue eyes. Frein is believed to have acted alone, and remains at large.

“He’s armed, and extremely dangerous,” Noonan said, cautioning the public and residents to use caution and to report any suspicious behavior, although Frein’s whereabouts are not known.

Frein was identified after a resident was walking his dog on Sunday through the Blue Heron Estates when he noticed the green Jeep in the retention pool. The police were able to conclude from the documents in the car who it belonged to, and subsequently identify that the .308 rifle casings were a match with the casings at the shooting.

In the car were also camouflage face paint, flash lights, a black hooded sweatshirt, two empty rifle case, military gear, and various information concerning a foreign embassies. The suspect’s social security card, Game Department’s Ranger’s permit were also in the car.

A subsequent search of his room at his parents’ house revealed matching shell casings as well. “They were fired from the same gun,” Noonan said.

Frein’s partly submerged vehicle was found about two miles from the Blooming Grove State Police Barracks. Noonan said it is believed the Fein drove his car in the water accidentally, and took off on foot.

Frein’s act came as no surprise to those who knew him. He’s known to have made threats both in person and on facebook, although no one had reported him, said Bivens who’s in charge of the investigation after the press conference. Bivens is normally stationed in Harrisburg, but he’s been in Pike County since the shooting, and intends to remain until the shooter is apprehended, he said.

Bivens added Frein is not known to have made threats against any particular school or business, but he’s believed to have survivalist training, although he is not a member of any group.

The affidavits made available to press indicate Frein’s father who served in the US Army for 28 years trained his son in shooting skills, that he was a member of the rifle team in high school, and as a shooter, ‘he doesn’t miss’ according to his father.

Noonan continued, “I want to emphasize to everyone this fellow is extremely dangerous. We don’t know where he is in the community. He’s a survivalist, he has a lot of training in that particular area, he’s made statements about wanting to kill law enforcement officials, and also to commit mass acts of murder.

What he’s reasons are, we don’t know, but he has very strong feelings about law enforcement and seems to be very angry at a lot of things that go on in our society.”

Bievens added, “This has been a tremendous labor intensive effort to locate him,” adding the manhunt is nation-wide.

He continued, “We will bring this individual to justice, and I believe we made a step to that direction today. We’re now in the position to apprehend him and bring him to justice. We continue to receive tips, and follow each and every one. We’re confident that we will apprehend this will individual.”

Anyone with information or tips was encouraged to call the 911 center in their area.

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