Sep 26, 2014 2 min read

Troopers from Troop B have joined their comrades from across the state in the massive hunt for the man suspected of gunning down two troopers, killing one and seriously inuring the second, outside a barracks in northeastern Pennsylvania two weeks ago.

Eric Matthew Frein, 31, of Canadensis, was added to the FBI’s 10 most wanted fugitives list after the Sept. 12 ambush shooting outside the Blooming Grove station in Pike County. Cpl. Bryon Dickson was killed, and Trooper Alex Douglass was seriously injured.

Trooper Matthew Jardine, public information officer, said the members of the troop headquartered in Washington went to the manhunt area to assist in the search.

“It is a joint effort,” said Jardine, who was one of those to make the trip. “It is a big area being searched.”

“We will continue to rotate in and out until the suspect is apprehended,” Jardine said. “Most troopers are going out on days off to assist in the manhunt.”

The vast majority of the troopers who are assisting were involved in the manhunt, either by securing the perimeter or searching the forest, Trooper Adam Reed, state police spokesman in Harrisburg, said Friday. Other troopers are working on logistical support or gathering intelligence.

“We have brought in troopers from all across the state to give the other troopers a break,” Reed said. “The area is densely wooded with large rocks and swampy areas. It is also very hilly. It is rough going.”

Jardine said the assistance is not affecting operations or staffing at the local stations for Troop B. The troop has stations in Washington, Waynesburg, Belle Vernon, Pittsburgh (Findlay Township) and Uniontown.

An alert posted by state police said Frein is known to be a heavy smoker, a weapons enthusiast and a survivalist. He reportedly claims to have fought with Serbians in Africa. Frein also has studied Russian and Serbian languages.

The reward for information leading to Frein’s arrest is now at $175,000. Reed said state police continue to get tips from the public.