Pennsylvania State Police Update

Blooming Grove – 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.

“Our search area remains focused on the Pike/Monroe county border area,” said Lt. Col. George Bivens, deputy commissioner of operations. “Based on the latest information available to us adjustments are regularly made regarding the specific search area.”

State police remain convinced that Frein is still in this general search area. Since Oct. 3rd, there have been four reported sightings by residents and law enforcement.

“As I mentioned last week, we found several items at a campsite that undoubtedly confirms Frein is hiding in our search area,” said Bivens. “I mentioned the two pipe bombs which were fully functional and capable of being deployed -- the pipe bombs

had the ability to be detonated by either the use of trip wires or a lighted fuse.”

As a result of this seizure of explosives –additional charges have been filed against Frein. Two new counts of possession of Weapon of Mass Destruction, a Felony of the second degree, were filed today.

Some of the information contained within the affidavit includes quotes from handwritten note pages created by Frein. These notes were located along with other items at the campsite on September 29th

The note pages appear to be written in a first person narrative format and included the following passages:

“Fri Sept 12th got a shot around 11 pm 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”

“Another cop approached the one I just shot”

“As he went to kneel I took a shot at him and jumped in the door”

“His legs were visible and still”

“I ran back to the jeep”

“I made maybe half a mile from the GL road and hit a road block”

“I didn’t expect one so soon. It was only 15-20 min”

“I did a K turn 1⁄4 a mile from them and pulled into a development I knew had unfinished access road”

“Hearing helos I just used my marker lights missed the trail around a run off pool and drove straight into it. !Disaster!”

“Made half attempt to stash AK and ran.”

Significantly, a review of the notes did not give any indication that the identities of either trooper shot were known by the shooter.

“I will tell you after reading this cold-blooded and absolutely chilling account, I can only describe Eric Frein’s actions as pure evil,” said Bivens. “A common question I have been asked is why we are spending the resources that we have been to bring

Frein to justice – let me address that,” added Bivens.

“Every so often true evil rears its ugly head and we must deal with it,” said Bivens. “As with other major manhunts like the DC Snipers or Eric Rudolph searches, law enforcement is hunting an individual who has committed a cowardly, heinous attack and if left unchecked, may well strike again,” continued Bivens. “History has shown that is frequently the case if the individuals involved are not apprehended.”

“Whether that next victim is another trooper or a member of the community – that cannot be allowed to occur,” added Bivens. “The Pennsylvania State Police didn’t pick this fight, but it is ours to finish.”

“While firm figures are still being calculated, I am fully cognizant that we are spending a large amount of money that clearly impacts our operating budget,” said Bivens. “We are working with our partners in the Governor’s Office and Legislature to explore options to minimize the long term budgetary effect on PSP.”

“Additionally, as our understanding of this manhunt evolves we are continually assessing and adjusting our onsite resources to minimize cost while adequately addressing the threat, said Bivens.”

“I know this has been a trying time for everyone,” said Bivens. “I can only imagine the stress this is putting on families caught in the middle of this manhunt.”

“In spite of that stress, your overwhelming outpouring of support for our troopers is incredible,” said Bivens. “We want to thank the community for the support including the cards and letters we received from the school children, scouts and

others, along with the many blue ribbons and signs of support posted around NEPA – as well as the simple hand shake to just say thanks at the local gas station.”

Law enforcement will continue to search vacant cabins and homes in and around our 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.

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