Two Pennsylvania State Troopers Hospitalized, Suspect Killed in Susquehanna County Shooting
SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY, Pa. — Two Pennsylvania State Troopers were seriously injured, a civilian was killed, and the suspect was fatally shot during a violent incident late Thursday morning in Susquehanna County.
According to the Pennsylvania State Police, Troopers Joseph Perechinsky and William Jenkins were dispatched around 11:00 a.m. to conduct a welfare check along Route 171 in Thompson Township.
Upon arrival, they were immediately met with gunfire from a suspect armed with a rifle.
Both troopers sustained serious injuries in the exchange of gunfire.
Emergency medical crews responded quickly, and the injured troopers were airlifted to a hospital.
As of Thursday evening, both remain in stable condition.
The suspect was shot and killed at the scene by law enforcement.
His identity has not yet been released, and the circumstances leading to the confrontation remain under investigation.
Lori Wasko, a resident of the area, was also shot and killed during the incident.
SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY, Pa. — Two Pennsylvania State Troopers were seriously injured, a civilian was killed, and the suspect was fatally shot during a violent incident late Thursday morning in Susquehanna County.
According to the Pennsylvania State Police, Troopers Joseph Perechinsky and William Jenkins were dispatched around 11:00 a.m. to conduct a welfare check along Route 171 in Thompson Township.
According to her neighbor, Nikki Creps, Kelsey was a deeply loved member of the community. Creps expressed frustration over her death, stating that the suspect — described as a troubled individual — should have been in custody weeks earlier in connection with a previous home invasion.
Witness Dave E. Carr Jr. reported that a bullet narrowly missed his head as he saw troopers come under heavy fire, with multiple patrol vehicles struck by gunfire.
Carr was not injured.
Governor Josh Shapiro, speaking during a scheduled event in Bucks County, confirmed the shooting and later traveled to Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton to visit Trooper Perechinsky.
The governor commended Perechinsky for his heroic actions, noting that he saved multiple lives during the incident, including that of his partner, Trooper Jenkins.
Shapiro said Perechinsky is in good spirits and surrounded by family as he recovers.
He also confirmed plans to visit Trooper Jenkins, though the hospital where Jenkins is receiving treatment has not yet been disclosed.
A press briefing with further details is expected to be held later Thursday evening at the Pennsylvania State Police Barracks in Dunmore.
The investigation remains active as authorities continue processing the scene and collecting evidence.
