Pennsylvania police report possible sighting of accused cop killer

CANADENSIS, Pa. --- State police are reporting another possible sighting of a suspect in the slaying of a state trooper last month who has eluded a massive manhunt for the past month and a half.

A police spokeswoman said a resident reported the possible sighting of 31-year-old Eric Frein early Tuesday afternoon near Route 390 in Barrett Township in Monroe County.

Trooper Connie Devens declined further comment on the report.

Frein is accused of having opened fire outside the Blooming Grove state police barracks on Sept. 12, killing Trooper Bryon Dickson and seriously wounding Trooper Alex Douglass.

Last week, a pair of possible sightings over a four-day period prompted closure of nearby schools.

The search is now in its 46th day.

On Monday, Pennsylvania State Police said they're using a device similar to a weather balloon in their search for Frein.

Trooper Tom Kelly, a state police spokesman, said the Ohio Department of Transportation donated the use of the large, unmanned Mylar balloon.

He said the device provides troopers with a similar level of technology and coverage at a fraction of the cost of traditional aircraft. It's also silent.

Kelly says the balloon is experimental and among several technologies they're using in the search for 31-year-old Eric Frein.

Frein is charged with opening fire outside the Blooming Grove state police barracks on Sept. 12, killing Trooper Bryon Dickson and seriously wounding Trooper Alex Douglass.

The manhunt is affecting Halloween in the area. CBS affiliate WYOU-TV reported that trick-or-treat night in Barrett Township was canceled. Instead, a "trunk-or-treat" event was held Sunday at a local school's parking lot, where costumed children went from car to car looking for candy.