New details are emerging about shooting suspect Eric Frein's past prior to last week's fatal police ambush. Meanwhile, law enforcement officers from around the country gather for the funeral of Cpl. Bryon Dickson. (Sept. 18) AP
SCRANTON, Pa. - The northeast corner of Pennsylvania remained on edge Thursday as hundreds of police officers and civilians gathered here to mourn a state trooper while hundreds more pressed the intensive manhunt for his killer.
Funeral services are being held at St. Peter's Cathedral, a landmark in Scranton's City Center, for Cpl. Bryon Dickson. Gov. Tom Corbett is among those scheduled to attend. Thousands of mourners paid their respects at Dickson's solemn viewing Wednesday in the rotunda of Marywood University in Scranton.
Dickson, 38, was shot Friday outside his barracks in Blooming Grove, 40 miles to the east, by a sniper who critically wounded another trooper and just missed a dispatcher who ran to their aid. Eric Matthew Frein, described by authorities as an anti-government survivalist, faces first-degree murder and other charges - if police can find him.
Blooming Grove's barracks are virtually surrounded by hundreds of acres of the state game land that blankets much of rural Pike County in the Pocono Mountains. But residents across much of northeastern Pennsylvania fear Frein could be hiding in their neighborhoods, planning attacks on their streets. Some schools in the area have closed.
'There have been a lot of concerns expressed about community safety and specifically the safety of our children attending schools in the area,' State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens said. 'While we can never completely rule out an act of violence, I am convinced that Frein has engaged in a personal battle with law enforcement, specifically the Pennsylvania State Police, and will likely stay focused on that fight.'
Carey Morgan, 38, who works in Scranton and lives in Moscow, another rural community about 30 miles from Blooming Grove, isn't convinced. The mother of three said her children's schools are open, but after-school activities are canceled and recess is being held indoors. Still, she said she may keep her kids home from school for a few days.
Cpl. Bryon Dickson was killed by a gunman as he left the police barracks in Blooming Grove, Pa.(Photo: AP/Pennsylvania State Police)
'I'm concerned about where he is right now - it's scary,' Morgan said. 'And we have barns. So you go out to do your chores and wonder 'Is he in the barn?'
Bivens acknowledged that residents should 'be alert and vigilant.' Authorities are urging locals to lock homes, cars and sheds - and report anything that looks suspicious.
Bivens said he believes Frein is trying to live the role he played as a member of a military simulation group based in Pennsylvania. Members assume the role of soldiers of Eastern European countries. Biven said that Frein has shaved the sides of his head while wearing a wide swath of long hair on top.
'As I did the other day, I'd like to directly address Eric Frein again. 'Eric, in the event you are listening to this broadcast on a portable radio, while cowering in some cold damp hiding place -- we are coming for you,' said Lt. Col. Bivens. 'And it's only a matter of time until we bring you to justice for this cowardly attack.'
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Posted by Unknown on Thursday, September 18, 2014 - Rating: 4.5
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