Oct 14, 2014 2 min read

A little more than a month has passed since Eric Frein allegedly ambushed two Pennsylvania state troopers in Pike County, killing one and critically injuring another. The protracted search for the survivalist who apparently burrowed deep into the woods of the Poconos is, without question, a nagging source of frustration for law enforcement officials and deepens the sorrow of the family and friends of the troopers who were shot, apparently without warning or provocation.

It’s also proving to be costly for Pennsylvania taxpayers. The Morning Call newspaper in Allentown tallied up the mounting costs of hunting for the 31-year-old, and estimates they are exceeding $1.3 million per week. The 24/7 manhunt included law enforcement from the state, federal and local levels and some out-of-state officers. There are about 300 of them searching every day, many putting in 12-hour shifts. The total price tag is now certainly in the “single millions of dollars,” the newspaper reported.

But there is no other alternative. Frein must be captured.

“It is true that the costs of this are great,” Troop M Cmdr. Ted Kohuth said. “But the costs of failing to do it are much greater. It would set a dangerous precedent. You do not let a killer who assassinated a law enforcement officer run free.”

The magnitude of the crime Frein is alleged to have committed is an affront to all Pennsylvanians.

The money that will have to be spent to bring him to justice only deepens the insult.