HEADLINES:
R/€ Hunt for man who killed four US police officers
December 01, 2009 Edition 3
SEATTLE : Authorities believe the man sought in the slaying of four police officers is still alive and has been aided by friends and family, says a police spokesman.
Officers believe Maurice Clemmons was shot in the stomach during the attack on the officers at a Parkland coffee shop, and speculated he might have died.
However, Ed Troyer, a spokesman for the Pierce County Sheriff, said last night that investigators had questioned people who had helped Clemmons since the Sunday morning shootings.
"We think his network of people helping him is running out." Troyer said. "He's probably on his own."
Police are also certain Clemmons, 37, was in a Seattle house on Sunday night, but was able to flee before police could contain the area. Police staked out the house overnight before determining early yesterday that Clemmons wasn't there.
He had access to handguns, rifles and shotguns, Troyer said. "It's unfortunate he's been a step or two ahead of us."
Yesterday morning's realisation that the suspect had not been cornered prompted police to fan out across the city.
Authorities posted a $125 000 (R928 630) reward for information leading to his arrest.
The manhunt came as authorities in two states took heat for the fact that Clemmons had been allowed to walk the streets despite a teenage crime spree in Arkansas that landed him a 108-year prison sentence.
He was released early after the then-governor, Mike Huckabee, commuted his sentence.
"This guy should have never been on the street," said Brian Wurts, president of the police union in Lakewood, where all four slain officers worked.
"Our elected officials need to find out why these people are out." - Sapa-AP
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