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Eric Frein lookalike stopped by police over 20 times during ongoing manhunt

“Because I’m walking and I’m carrying a book bag, and for some reason people seem to think I’m the one they’re looking for."

By Matt Bradwell

CANADENSIS, Pa., Oct. 22 (UPI) -- For 40 days, Police in Pennsylvania have failed to track down alleged cop-killing survivalist Eric Frein, but they've stopped lookalike James Tully over 20 times in the course of the manhunt.

Frien is charged with killing one police officer and injuring another after opening fire on the Blooming Grove state police barracks on Sept. 12.

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With his lean face, distinct brow and pale skin -- and home near the Pocono Mountains where Frein is believed to have been sited -- Tully has frequently confused authorities while making his 10-mile round trip walk to work.

"I lost count after 20" Tully said of the number of times he's been stopped, adding that in one round trip to and from work, he was stopped 7 different times.

"Because I'm walking and I'm carrying a book bag, and for some reason people seem to think I'm the one they're looking for."

Tully has now resorted to wearing a reflective vest and his employee ID around his neck.

"The one they're hunting for, he's not going to stand out," Tully said.

"He's going to try and blend in. I want to stand out so I can let them know; look, I'm not the one they're looking for."

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Even with the extra precautions, Tully was again ambushed by police on Friday, an incident he told local ABC affiliate WNEP led to bruised ribs and a hospital visit.

"Driver jumps out, yelling to get down on the ground, has his rifle pointed at my head. Now I'm doing my best to comply with him, he kept screaming at me wanting to know what my name is."

After searching Pocono Mountain schools police are turning their attention to nearby Swiftwater, a transition to an area so close it could have no effect on Tully's near daily harassment.

"Just let me go on my way."

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