Lawyer may sue over residents ousted from their homes in hunt for cop killer
A Pennsylvania lawyer says he has heard from several people who are complaining they were ousted from their homes in a police hunt for alleged cop killer Eric Frien.
Lawyer Joshua Prince says some people in Pike and Monroe counties were kicked out of their homes, and police searched homes and cars without probable cause or permission, report the Times-Tribune and the Express Times. In one instance, he told the Express-Times on Tuesday, residents have not been allowed to return home to care for their three dogs since Sunday.
Prince’s Bechtelsville, Pennsylvania, law firm posted a message to its website on Monday asking residents to contact the firm if their rights were violated by the Pennsylvania State Police. Prince says he is planning to file a suit.
Trooper Adam Reed of the Pennsylvania State Police released a statement Tuesday evening saying that police ”have been diligent in respecting the rights of the public while working hard to keep both residents and law enforcement personnel safe.” Police also defended their actions and thanked residents for their cooperation in a press conference on Wednesday.
