Police have had Frein (background) in their sights for weeks

US: Police killer grabbed after manhunt

A man who eluded capture in the forests of Pennsylvania for seven weeks after the fatal shooting of a police officer has been found and arrested.

More than 200 officers combed woodland for survivalist Eric Frein.

But his time on the run came to an end in an airport hangar on Thursday evening, police said. Prosecutors said they will now seek the death penalty.

He is accused of killing Cpl Bryon Dickson outside a barracks on 12 September and wounding another officer.

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett said at a news conference that Mr Frein was taken away in the handcuffs that belonged to Cpl Dickson.

While on the run for weeks, the 33-year-old was described by police as a survivalist who was armed and extremely dangerous.

Schools in the area were closed at times during the manhunt, and residents warned to stay indoors.

Police used dogs, thermal imaging technology and even a hot air balloon to scour the dense woodland in the north-east of the state of Pennsylvania.

Several items believed to be his were found by police in the woods - empty packs of Serbian cigarettes, an AK-47-style assault rifle and ammunition, and a journal that offered a chilling account of the ambush.

Mr Frein had been added to the FBI's 10 Most Wanted List and $175,000 (£107,000) was offered for information leading to his capture.


Credit: The BBC  


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