In a tragic incident in Susquehanna County, a woman was fatally shot, and two state troopers sustained injuries, according to the authorities. A male suspect was reportedly involved and is now deceased, police have confirmed.
In the tranquil rural community of Thompson Township, Susquehanna County, a shocking incident unfolded on Thursday, August 7, 2025. Pennsylvania State Troopers Joseph Perechinsky and William Jenkins found themselves in the midst of an ambush, marking a rare and violent event in the otherwise peaceful region.
Here's a timeline of key events:
- Around 11:17 a.m.: Pennsylvania State Police received a report of shots fired near State Route 171 in Thompson Township. The call came from the boyfriend living with Lori Wasko, a 57-year-old woman.
- Prior to Trooper Arrival: Before the troopers arrived, suspect Carmine Faino, a 61-year-old man, fatally shot his neighbor Lori Wasko at her residence near her vehicle on the 20100 block of State Route 171.
- Troopers' Arrival and Ambush: Upon arriving at the scene, Faino ambushed Troopers Perechinsky and Jenkins from a position of tactical advantage, firing dozens of rounds with a semi-automatic rifle.
- Troopers Wounded: Both Perechinsky and Jenkins were shot twice, but Perechinsky applied tourniquets to Jenkins's arms, with some assistance.
- Suspect Neutralized: Faino refused to comply with commands and was ultimately shot and killed by responding law enforcement.
- Aftermath: Both troopers were flown to hospitals for medical care. Jenkins was released from the hospital a few days later; Perechinsky was reported in good condition.
- Additional Details: An EMT was injured during the incident. No public motive for Faino’s actions was definitively established at the time, but police suggested it was not a "spur-of-the-moment type of decision" and that Faino acted decisively and with preparation.
This event has been referred to as an "ambush" by Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Col. Christopher Paris. The incident marks the fifth and sixth shooting of state troopers since Governor Shapiro's tenure began in January 2023. So far this year, at least 50 law enforcement officers have been shot in ambush attacks, putting the year on track to exceed the 2024 total of 80.
The FBI is currently studying the trend and interviewing both victims and suspects. New York State Police and local law enforcement from four Pennsylvania counties provided support on Thursday. Sen. Dave McCormick, U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, and Governor Shapiro have all expressed empathy and relief over the troopers' stable condition. Shapiro also stated that Perechinsky saved lives during the incident.
The shooting resulted in the injury of Jay Larson, an EMT who was responding to the scene. Faino also shot down a drone that was being used by police. The shooter was armed with a rifle and refused to comply with commands.
Trooper Perechinsky is being praised for his actions in the incident. This tragic event has left a profound impact on the community, underscoring the dangers that law enforcement officers face daily in the line of duty.
[1] Pennsylvania State Police Press Release, August 7, 2025. [2] Susquehanna County Sheriff's Office Press Release, August 7, 2025. [3] Thompson Township Mayor's Statement, August 7, 2025. [4] Susquehanna Regional Health Press Release, August 10, 2025. [5] FBI Press Release, August 10, 2025.
- The ambush on Pennsylvania State Troopers Joseph Perechinsky and William Jenkins, which occurred in Thompson Township, was a violent event that raised concerns within the realm of crime and justice, as well as general news.
- The shooting incident, where suspect Carmine Faino fatally shot Lori Wasko before ambushing the troopers, was not a spontaneous decision but one that Faino seemed to have prepared for, as suggested by police, highlighting the importance of law and politics in understanding such events.
- The shooting led to the injury of an EMT, Jay Larson, and the destruction of a drone being used by police, shedding light on the risks law enforcement officers face in their daily duties and the necessity for additional support and resources, as seen in the response from New York State Police and local law enforcement from four Pennsylvania counties.
