Trooper Shot Twice in Pennsylvania Engages in Life-Saving Actions Using Tourniquets and a Semi-Truck following Ambush by Gunman
In rural northeastern Pennsylvania, an ambush unfolded on State Route 171 in Thompson Township, leaving two Pennsylvania State Troopers wounded and a suspect dead. The suspect, identified as Carmine Faino, had fatally shot his neighbor before opening fire on the responding troopers.
The incident began when Troopers Joseph Perechinsky and William Jenkins responded to a call of shots fired. Upon arrival, their vehicles were riddled with gunfire, and they were both shot. Trooper Perechinsky was hit twice, in the chest and torso area, while Trooper Jenkins was shot twice, once in each arm. Despite his own injuries, Trooper Perechinsky managed to apply a tourniquet to Trooper Jenkins [1][3].
In a remarkable display of resourcefulness, Trooper Perechinsky commandeered a passing semi-truck (tractor-trailer) and ordered the driver to block the roadway, helping to secure the scene. The driver's quick thinking and cooperation likely saved lives [3]. Both troopers were airlifted to hospitals and later stabilized [1][3].
Authorities deployed a drone to aid in the standoff, but the suspect shot it down. The suspect was also sitting on a propane tank, raising concerns it could act as an improvised explosive device. There were additional concerns about whether more explosives were present at the location [1].
The perimeter around the scene remained active while authorities continued their investigation. A local EMT was injured when his vehicle was hit by gunfire, causing a crash in the area [1]. The suspect was ultimately shot and killed during the confrontation [1][3]. Governor Josh Shapiro visited Perechinsky and Jenkins in the hospital and praised them for their actions [3].
The motive for the shooting incident isn't immediately known by law enforcement. The district attorney's office is conducting a use of force investigation into the shooting of Carmine Faino, and the troopers who shot at Faino have been put on leave pending the results of the investigation [2]. It's worth noting that Trooper Perechinsky has been a trooper for six years and comes from a law enforcement family, while Trooper Jenkins has been on the force for 10 years and is a father of four [4].
Carmine Faino had previously shot and killed his neighbor, Laurie Wasko, outside her home [6]. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers every day. The community is left reeling from the violence, and investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the ambush and standoff.
References:
- Freeman, D., & Romine, T. (2023, February 5). Two Pennsylvania state troopers shot, suspect killed in standoff. CNN. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/05/us/pennsylvania-state-troopers-shot-suspect-killed/index.html
- Pennsylvania State Police. (2023, February 5). Troopers Perechinsky and Jenkins Update. Pennsylvania State Police. Retrieved from https://www.pSP.pa.gov/Newsroom/Details/Troopers-Perechinsky-and-Jenkins-Update
- Schuerman, M. (2023, February 5). Heroic Pennsylvania State Trooper Commandeers Semi-Truck to Block Roadway During Shooting Ambush. The Daily Wire. Retrieved from https://www.dailywire.com/news/heroic-pennsylvania-state-trooper-commandeers-semi-truck-to-block-roadway-during-shooting-ambush
- Pennsylvania State Police. (2023). Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Profiles. Pennsylvania State Police. Retrieved from https://www.pSP.pa.gov/About/TrooperProfiles
- O'Malley, M. (2023, February 5). Statement Regarding Use of Force Investigation. Susquehanna County District Attorney's Office. Retrieved from https://www.scda.us/statement-regarding-use-of-force-investigation
- Associated Press. (2023, February 5). Neighbor killed in Pennsylvania shooting before troopers ambushed. The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved from https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania-shooting-neighbor-killed-before-troopers-ambushed-20230205.html
The latest general news from Pennsylvania involves a crime-and-justice incident in rural northeastern Thompson Township, where a standoff occurred after two Pennsylvania State Troopers, Joseph Perechinsky and William Jenkins, were wounded in an ambush while responding to a call of shots fired. Despite the ongoing investigations into the motive and use of force, the community is also following sports news, such as the impressive display of resourcefulness shown by Trooper Perechinsky who commandeered a semi-truck to block the roadway.
