Firearms Owners Against Crime
Institute for Legal, Legislative and Educational Action
Institute for Legal, Legislative and Educational Action
The lawyer lawyer seeking out residents affected by the police manhunt for alleged cop killer Eric Frein says he has been contacted by several residents who believe police violated their constitutional rights.
Joshua Prince, of Bechtelsville, Pa.-based Prince Law Offices, said in a phone interview Tuesday night that those from Pike and Monroe counties who have contacted his firm have reported incidents of police kicking them out of their homes without probable cause.
In one case, according to Prince, residents in a Monroe County home had to leave behind their three dogs after police ordered them out Sunday. The residents have not been allowed to return to care for their dogs since, he said.
"It's extremely shocking to me that in this day and age, with our Fourth Amendment protections, that the police would move forward with such actions," Prince said.
Pennsylvania State Police, who have been searching for Frein since identifying him as the suspect in the Sept. 12 fatal shooting of state police Cpl. Bryon Dickson and the wounding of another outside the Blooming Grove barracks in Pike County, dispute Prince's allegations.
Trooper Adam Reed, a spokesman for the agency, released a lengthy statement Tuesday night addressing media reports about residents not being able to access their homes during the search.
"To clear up any misconceptions regarding the search, we have been diligent in respecting the rights of the public while working hard to keep both residents and law enforcement personnel safe," Reed said. "At no time did we completely restrict access to homes in the area.
"If a resident required access to their home for a vital reason such as retrieving medication, we provided an escort to their home to ensure their safety.
"There is currently no shelter in place advisory and access to homes is not affected. The Pennsylvania State Police appreciate the assistance and patience we have received from the public as our search efforts continue."
Prince said he has not filed any action in court at this time, but expects he will at some point. He said his firm is reviewing the cases and needs to in part determine whether they should be handled individually or as a class action.
The firm first publicized its efforts to find residents affected by the police activity through a message posted on its website Monday night. In the comments section below the message, there were several criticisms of the firm's efforts.
http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/breaking-news/index.ssf/2014/09/lawyer_monroe_county_residents.html