Eric Frein, accused cop killer, was arrested with a slain officer’s handcuffs, escorted to the barracks in the late officers car , booked and then brought to prison on Thursday.
During a press conference that took place while Frein was being booked Thursday night, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett thanked the citizens of Northeastern Pennsylvania for their support and patience during the seven-week manhunt.
Addressing the families of the two officers that were shot Sept. 12, Corbett said, “I assure you, justice will be served.”
The podium was then turned over to Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Frank Noonan who expressed his appreciation to the agencies and citizens of the region. “I can’t think of a more dangerous occupation than going into the woods after this individual and yet my biggest problem was telling people, ‘I don’t need any more help,’” said Noonan.
Noonan also explained that the search for Frein took so long because of the densely wooded area in which he was hiding.
Pike County District Attorney Ray Tonkin announced that based on the evidence against Frein, he will face a first-degree murder charge, a charge for homicide of an officer, attempted homicide in the first degree, possession of weapons of mass destruction, discharging a firearm into an occupied structure and reckless endangerment. The murder and homicide charges are capital offenses and the prosecution plans to pursue the death penalty, Tonkin said.
Frein will be arraigned Friday morning, according to reports.
Tonkin also delivered the news that Halloween activities are back on for the communities surrounding the search area.
The 31-year-old Frein, a self-styled "survivalist," is alleged to have killed one state tropper and wound another outside their state police barracks.
