A suspect on the run since the Sept. 12 shooting of two state police officers has been spotted “several times” by law enforcement officials.

The most recent sighting of Eric Frein, 31, of Canadensis, came within the last 24 hours, according to Lt. Col. George Bivens, of the state police, on Wednesday.“The sightings have come at a significant distance,” Bivens said. “There have been pursuits but the rocky and rugged terrain has given him the ability to disappear. There was never a situation of being able to take a few steps and apprehend him.”Several reports have Frein wearing black clothing and, on several occasions, a hat.While the sightings were at a distance, Bivens said they were close enough that law enforcement officers believe it was Frein, the man accused of fatally shooting Cpl. Bryon Dickson and wounding trooper Alex Douglass outside the Blooming Grove barracks.“I am sure he has seen law enforcement as well,” Bivens said. “At this point I would tell him, it is time to surrender before this gets any worse for you and before someone gets hurt.”Gunshots have been reported during the search and while Bivens couldn't rule out Frein as the man behind them, he did say troopers have not fired a single shot.A heavy police presence was focused Wednesday morning between Bear Town Road and Snow Hill Road off Route 447 in Monroe County.In the heavily wooded search area, which Bivens continues to describe as several square miles, police continue to find items they believe were left behind or stored by Frein.“We've found empty packs of Serbian-style cigarettes and soiled diapers,” Bivens said. “If people find an item out in the woods, we urge them to leave it alone and call us.”The discovery comes after police found an AK-47-style rifle and ammunition, items they also believe were once carried by Frein.Bivens estimated nearly 1,000 law enforcement officials have been involved in the manhunt. They include state and local police, and federal agencies.Lethal force is authorized in apprehending Frein, but Bivens said that is a very serious action to take.“Our officers have shown tremendous restraint,” he said. “The desire is to capture him alive if at all possible.”Bivens thanked residents, particularly those in Barrett and Price townships for their understanding as police have swarmed around their communities for nearly two full weeks.In recent days, police have been executing search warrants on vacant vacation homes in the area.'We're using locksmiths as to not heavily damage the homes,” Bivens said. “We're looking everywhere we can look. Officers have kicked bears out of caves in an attempt to find places Frein may be or have been.”Nonetheless, Bivens remains hopeful.“I believe we're in the right area,” he said. “To a large degree, you make your own luck. We've thrown a lot of talented people at this situation and I hope we get that break we need in the near future.”