Eric Matthew Frein is still on the run more than a week after authorities say he gunned down a Pennsylvania State Trooper, but now hundreds of law enforcement officials join in the search police believe they are closing in.
Gunshots were reportedly heard near his home in the Poconos Mountains and police surrounded the area where they believed Frein was hiding, but there has been no update on his location yet.
“It is still a very active search,” said Ralph Megliola, chairman of Barrett Township board of supervisors.
As the search for Eric Matthew Frein continued, police told residents in the area to stay in their homes on Saturday.
Frein is accused of ambushing officers in the Pennsylvania State Police barracks in Blooming Grove on September 12. Authorities say he killed Cpl. Byron Dickson and shot another officer.
Eric Mathew Frein has now been placed on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list , with a $100,000 reward now being offered for information leading to his arrest.
Eric’s father, Michael, told police that an AK-47 and a.308-caliber rifle was taken from his home. He warned that Eric is a deadly shot who “doesn’t miss.”
Family members seemed to admit that Eric Matthew Frein was responsible for the shooting . His 18-year-old sister Tiffany said Eric made a mistake and that family members are not protecting him.
“He did something messed up, but he’s still a human and he has feelings…We’re not trying to protect him. He has to suffer the consequences. But he’s still our family,” she said.
Police have described Frein as a survivalist with deeply anti-police views. In a message directly to Frein, police said they will find him.
“If you are cowering in some cool damp place,” said Sate Police Lt. Col. George Bivens. “We are coming for you. It is only a matter of time until we bring you to justice for committing these cowardly acts.”
Police said they believe Eric Matthew Frein is still armed and dangerous.