Fugitive Survivalist Taunts Cops, Leaves Diaper Trail

Cops believe manhunt is a 'game' to Eric Frein
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Sep 25, 2014 3:10 AM CDT
Updated Sep 25, 2014 7:33 AM CDT
Fugitive Survivalist Leaves Trail of Diapers
Eric Frein is shown in this undated photo provided by the Pennsylvania State Police.   (AP Photo/Pennsylvania State Police)

Police combing a heavily wooded area of Pennsylvania for the survivalist suspected of shooting two state troopers are starting to suspect he is playing some kind of twisted game with them. Almost 1,000 officers are combing the area for Eric Frein, and there have been repeated sightings of a hooded figure dressed in black that police believe is the suspect. "There have been pursuits. The type of terrain and cover, he has had the ability to disappear," a police spokesman tells ABC. "Some of the sightings have occurred in circumstances where he kept himself far enough away where he knew that it was unlikely someone could get to him."

The 31-year-old—who is believed to have planned the attack and his escape for months or even years—has also left a bizarre trail of dirty diapers and Serbian cigarettes behind him. Investigators say the diapers fit the profile of a trained sniper trying to "stay in position for a longer period of time," and the cigarettes may be connected to his involvement with a group of what they call Eastern European military enthusiasts, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports. The search area has narrowed to a few square miles after an extensive search that has involved checking numerous abandoned buildings—and evicting some bears from their caves—say police, who warn that Frein needs to surrender before he "gets hurt or worse." (More Eric Frein stories.)

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