Police: Trooper Ambush Suspect Belongs to 'Military Simulation Unit'

Screenshot via ABC.

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New details have emerged about the man whom police suspect in the ambush shooting death of Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Byron K. Dickson, and the attempted murder of Trooper Alex T. Douglas II.

Eric Frein, 31, is a member of a “military simulation unit,” ABC reports, whose members role-play the they are Eastern European soldiers.

Lt. Col. George Bivens at a Wednesday news conference said Frein “appears to have assumed that role in real life,” ABC reported.

State Police have released multiple photos of Frein posing in camouflage gear with guns. A spokesman said Wednesday that Frein has apparently harbored animosity toward police for years, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported.

“If you’re listening to this broadcast on a portable radio while cowering in your cold, damp hiding place, I want you to know one thing: Eric, we are coming for you,” Bevins said, according to The Inquirer.

Frein appears to have “self-taught” survival skills, The Inquirer said, and authorities believe he is hiding out in Monroe County. He is believed to have at least two weapons with him: a .308 rifle with a scope and an AK-47 rifle.

Frein is 31 years old, and is described as being 6-foot-1, around 165 pounds, State Police Commissioner Frank Noonan said. Noonan said he should be considered extremely dangerous.

Several school districts in Monroe County were closed Wednesday out of concern for student safety.

A funeral Mass for Cpl. Dickson was at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Scranton, by Pennsylvania State Police Chaplain Rev. Thomas M. Muldowney. Burial with full honors was in Dunmore Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cpl. Bryon K. Dickson II Memorial Fund, c/o NBT Bank, 1230 O’Neill Highway, Dunmore, PA 18512.