PSP Press Release

The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) continue to investigate the shooting incident at the Blooming Grove station where two Pennsylvania State Police troopers were ambushed by Eric Matthew Frein.

“As I’ve indicated in the past, our search area is determined by the information available to us at any given point in time,” said Lt. Col. George Bivens, deputy commissioner of operations. “The search area remains focused within several square miles near the Pike/Monroe border.”

“Again, we remain confident Frein is in the general search area near the border,” said Bivens. “However, we need to follow-up on all information available to us – these may include areas where investigators have been told Frein has frequented in the past.”

“In addition to our primary search area the public may see some law enforcement activity in the surrounding areas,” added Bivens.

“In a search for additional evidence associated with this crime, within the last 24-hours, law enforcement drained a pond at the location where the jeep was found,” said Bivens. “Additionally, we’ve had three unconfirmed sightings this week by residents and law enforcement.”

“We continue to aggressively search the area and as I reported at our last media briefing, a campsite was located within our primary search area,” said Bivens. “Numerous items of clothing, food, ammunition and the two explosive devices were located at that time.”

“It is important to stress that explosive devices could be concealed in similar bags or packs,” said Bivens. “Because we continue to push Frein and to seize the items he needs to survive, we believe he will be forced to search for food and shelter in other locations.”

Law enforcement will continue to search vacant cabins and homes in and around the search area as likely locations for him to obtain what he needs.

Again, if you access cabins and find items disturbed or missing, please leave the cabin immediately, as to not disturb the evidence, and contact 911 or the tip line at 866-326-7256.

State police believe it is possible that Frein will seek out other locations for food – such as dumpsters at restaurants and grocery stores. They are asking business owners to be alert to such activity and if possible to review surveillance video to determine if Frein has been in the vicinity.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission temporarily closed game lands and suspended hunting and trapping seasons within Price, Barrett and Paradise townships in Monroe County; and Blooming Grove, Porter, Lehman and Greene townships in Pike County.

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has closed sections of Delaware State Forest to hunters and others traveling on foot in the woodlands. All public-use roadways will remain open to transit – however, walking within state forestlands in the designated townships is strongly discouraged.

Again, Frein is considered armed and dangerous and we are asking people to stay out of the search areas for their own safety.

“In addition, it has come to our attention that residents of northeast Pennsylvania may be receiving phone calls from individuals looking to solicit money by claiming they represent the Pennsylvania State Police,” said Bivens.

“The caller claims that the department is trying to raise money to continue the search efforts for Eric Frein -- this phone call is not legitimate. The Pennsylvania State Police do not and will not solicit money from residents, so please do not provide any personal information or offer to send money to the caller if you are contacted,” added Bivens.