Police announce suspect in trooper shooting

By Nathan Mayberg
BLOOMING GROVE — State Police have identified Eric Matthew Frein of 308 Seneca Lane in Canadensis as the suspect they believe to be responsible for Friday night's killing of a state trooper, the wounding of another trooper, and for shooting at a third trooper at the State Police barracks in Blooming Grove.

Police released a photo of Frein, 31, of Monroe County, at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon at the Pike County 911 Center in Lords Valley.

“I can confirm for you today that we are looking for Eric Matthew Frein of Canadensis, Pa.,” State Police Commissioner Frank Noonan said. “He is 31 years old, approximately 165 pounds, and about 6 feet, 1 inch tall with blue eyes.”

Police were tipped off by a local resident who found an abandoned vehicle while walking his dog in the woods near Blue Heron Estates off of Wedgewood Drive, about two miles from the barracks. The road, which only has one home, was the sight of police activity on Monday when tow trucks were going through and police with assault rifles had closed off the area.

“We received a tip from a resident who was walking a path in the woods, approximately two miles from the barracks,” said Col. Noonan. "The man observed a vehicle slightly submerged in a retention pond and called 911 to report the suspicious vehicle.”

Police located a green 2001 Jeep Cherokee at the scene, with its windows opened, which police believe was driven by Frein. The vehicle was registered to his parents. According to Noonan, evidence was found in the vehicle that matched evidence found at the scene. Police have also uncovered additional evidence at the suspect’s residence that they believe tie Frein's involvement to the incident.

State police say that Frein is considered armed and extremely dangerous. Lt. Col. George Bivens at Tuesday's press conference said Fein is believed to have acted alone.

District Court Judge Michael Muth's Office confirmed that a search warrant for Frein had been signed off on by Muth, but that no information regarding the warrant could be immediately released.

Court of Common Pleas Judge Gregory Chelak signed off on the search warrant for the vehicle.

A search of the vehicle turned up Frein's Social Security card, driver's license, game commission range permit, camouflage face paint, flashlights, black hooded sweatshirt, military gear and various information regarding foreign embasssies.

Shell casings inside the Jeep Cherokee matched shell casings found in the woods across from the barracks.

Frein's father, a retired Army Major, told police that a .308 caliber rifle with a scope was missing from his home. He told police that he had trained his son in shooting skills. He told investigators that his son was on the rifle team in high school and was a better shooter than he was. Police also found a sniper training book in the suspect's bedroom.

Three troopers fired on
According to a criminal complaint made by the state police and signed off by District Attorney Ray Tonkin, Frein shot at three state troopers. He first fired his .308 caliber rifle at Corporal Bryon Dickson immediately after Dickson opened the front door of the barracks to head towards his vehicle at about 10:50 p.m. Dickson dropped instantly to the ground and remained motionless.

Corporal Nicole Palmer reported that she heard what sounded like a firecracker. She looked out the window of the communications room to the lobby and saw Dickson lying on the ground. Palmer went towards Dickson and asked him what happened. Dickson said he had been shot and needed help. At that time, another shot was fired in their direction. Palmer reported seeing white residue on the floor in the lobby. She tried to call 911 but was unable to. According to the criminal complaint, Dickson asked her to bring him inside but she was unable to.

Trooper Alex Douglass had just arrived at that time to begin his shift when he approached Dickson. He was shot in the pelvic region and was knocked to the ground. He was able to crawl into the lobby.

Trooper William Fells then helped bring Douglass into the secure portion of the building.

Troopers were able to bring Dickson back into the building after driving a marked police vehicle into the front of the building and using it as a shield. Troopers gave medical assistance to both Dickson and Douglass. Dickson was declared dead at the scene, while Douglass was transported by helicopter to Geisinger CMC Hospital in Scranton.

Four projectiles were located at the scene. According to law enforcement, Dickson was shot twice.

The entire span of the shootings took place over approximately 90 seconds. Four shell casings were located across the street in the woods.

Family: No surprise
Bivens said after the press conference that nobody had reported the threats Frein made against law enforcement and to commit mass murder. After he was identified, his family members and others interviewed said it came as no surprise. His Facebook postings also revealed threats.

“He has survivalist training, but (is) not a member of any group that we know of,” Bivens said.

Police also found a sniper training book in Frein's bedroom.

According to a criminal complaint made by the state police and signed off by District Attorney Ray Tonkin, Frein shot at three state troopers. He first fired his .308 caliber rifle at Corporal Bryon Dickson immediately after Dickson opened the front door of the barracks to head towards his vehicle at about 10:50 p.m. Dickson dropped instantly to the ground and remained motionless.

Corporal Nicole Palmer reported that she heard what sounded like a firecracker. She looked out the window of the communications room to the lobby and saw Dickson lying on the ground. Palmer went towards Dickson and asked him what happened. Dickson said he had been shot and needed help. At that time, another shot was fired in their direction. Palmer reported seeing white residue on the floor in the lobby. She tried to call 911 but was unable to. According to the criminal complaint, Dickson asked her to bring him inside but she was unable to.

Trooper Alex Douglass had just arrived at that time to begin his shift when he approached Dickson. He was shot in the pelvic region and was knocked to the ground. He was able to crawl into the lobby.

Trooper William Fells then helped bring Douglass into the secure portion of the building.

Troopers were able to bring Dickson back into the building after driving a marked police vehicle into the front of the building and using it as a shield. Troopers gave medical assistance to both Dickson and Douglass. Dickson was declared dead at the scene, while Douglass was transported by helicopter to Geisinger CMC Hospital in Scranton.

Four projectiles were located at the scene. According to law enforcement, Dickson was shot twice.

The entire span of the shootings took place over approximately 90 seconds. Four shell casings were located across the street in the woods.

On Sunday, contractors were working at the entrance to the barracks to repair damage done.

State Police request that anybody who may know Frein or anything about his whereabouts contact the State Police tip line at: 1-866-326-7256.

Anya Tikka contributed to the reporting of this article.