Former FBI Profiler Describes Ambush Suspect As "Assassin"
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- As the search continues for the man accused of ambushing state troopers last week, killing one and wounding another, many are trying to understand his mindset.
Larry Likar, who teaches criminology at La Roche College, describes suspected cop killer Eric Frein as an "assassin."
Likar, a former FBI profiler and expert on terrorism, told KDKA-TV's Ralph Iannotti, "There is no profile for an assassin type of shooter, and that's what he is. He's an assassin-type."
Likar said Frein was lying in wait and decided to ambush the two Pennsylvania state troopers in an ambush.
One trooper, Cpl. Bryon Dickson, was shot and killed. A second trooper was seriously wounded in the Friday night attack in Pike County, in the northeastern part of the state.
"He picked a particular type of MO, which for him involved lying in wait and ambush from a distance, which means he really, he wants to make sure he lives," said Likar. "And he's afraid; he's afraid to confront officers face-to-face, which he probably would have like to have done but doesn't have it in him."
State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens told a news conference Wednesday the suspect was a member of a "military simulation unit," in which members assumed the roles of eastern European-type soldiers.
Investigators said it appeared Frein had assumed that role in real life.
Bivens addressed the suspect directly, saying:
"In the event you are listening to this broadcast on a portable radio while cowering in some cold, damp hiding place, I want you to know one thing: Eric, we are coming for you. It is only a matter of time until we bring you to justice for committing this cowardly act."
Funeral services for Cpl. Dickson will be held Thursday morning in Scranton.
You May Also Be Interested In These Latest News Stories
Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter
