BLOOMING GROVE, Pa. — Two school districts in northeastern Pennsylvania are closed today because of safety concerns for students and staff. This, as authorities continue their search for a man they describe as a heavily-armed survivalist with a vendetta against law enforcement.
Eric Frein (freen) is the suspect in an ambush last week that killed a state police trooper and wounded another. Police say he’s dangerous, and that he has talked about committing mass murder.
According to authorities, after he opened fire on troopers at a barracks in the Pocono Mountains Friday night, Frein evidently tried to make his escape in a Jeep Cherokee. Instead, he drove into a swamp about two miles away. The SUV was found there three days later by a man walking his dog.
That was the break police were looking for. It set off a massive manhunt by more than 200 law enforcement officials over miles of thick woods. It’s a setting where Frein is believed to feel at home.
Authorities say Frein has held anti-law-enforcement views for many years. His father, who spent 28 years in the Army, says two weapons are missing from his home, where Frein lived — an AK-47 and a rifle with a scope. He also says his son is an excellent marksman who “doesn’t miss.”
Have you seen this guy? He's wanted for homicide in ambush of State Trooper. The I-Team's Andy Mehalshick reports. pic.twitter.com/mwFXxb4m19
— Eyewitness News (@wbrewyou) September 17, 2014
