Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
CANADENSIS, Pa. (AP) — Officers believe they spotted the suspect accused in the fatal ambush of a trooper, but it was from a distance and he eluded them, Pennsylvania State Police said Wednesday.
Officers saw a man they believe to be Eric Frein as recently as Tuesday, Lt. Col. George Bivens said Wednesday afternoon. But the distance and extremely rugged terrain separating the officers from Frein in each sighting meant "he has had the ability to disappear," Bivens told reporters.
Frein appears to be probing the loose perimeter that's been set up around him in a heavily wooded area around Canadensis, where he grew up and his parents still live, he said.
It was the first time authorities have reported possibly laying eyes on the 31-year-old suspect charged with opening fire at the Blooming Grove state police barracks on Sept. 12, killing Cpl. Bryon Dickson and seriously wounding second trooper who remains hospitalized.
Police found empty packs of Serbian-branded cigarettes and soiled diapers believed to have been left by Frein, Bivens said, helping to cement authorities' belief they are close to him as the manhunt stretches into its 12th full day. Police say they believe Frein is using diapers so he can remain stationary for long periods of time.
___
Rubinkam reported from northeastern Pennsylvania.
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
