Two Pennsylvania state troopers were fatally shot by a suspect in an ambush, authorities confirm.
In a shocking incident on August 7, 2025, two Pennsylvania state troopers were shot during a welfare check near State Route 171 in Thompson Township, Susquehanna County. The location, approximately 45 miles from Scranton, witnessed a harrowing event that unfolded around 11:17 a.m. local time on Thursday.
Upon responding to a report of shots fired, the troopers—Joseph Perechinsky and William Jenkins—were ambushed by a suspect armed with a rifle. The suspect, identified as 61-year-old Carmine Faino, had fatally shot his neighbor, 57-year-old Lori Wasko, prior to the troopers' arrival.
Faino opened fire on the troopers, shooting them multiple times from a tactical advantage position. Both troopers sustained serious injuries but were reported stable after being airlifted to a hospital.
State police and local law enforcement established a perimeter and approached the suspect after the wounded officers were taken to the hospital. After negotiations and continued threat, Faino was ultimately shot and killed by a special Emergency Response Team.
Authorities have not released any further details about the suspect or the circumstances leading to the shooting. No motive has been publicly established, but police indicated it likely was not a spontaneous act.
The incident also resulted in the injury of an EMT on scene. Pennsylvania State Police Col. Christopher Paris confirmed that the troopers were immediately fired upon and ambushed.
Governor Josh Shapiro spoke highly of Joseph Perechinsky, calling him a "real hero in the community" and saying his actions "exemplify the absolute best of the Pennsylvania State Police." During the incident, Perechinsky placed a tourniquet on his fellow trooper.
Despite their patrol cars being riddled with bullets, a third trooper responded and was able to get the injured troopers out. Governor Shapiro visited Perechinsky and described him as "in good spirits."
The investigation into this incident is ongoing, with motives yet to be determined. The public is assured that there is no ongoing threat to the community.
- Given the recent shooting incident in Thompson Township, Susquehanna County, the general news and politics sectors are intensely following the ongoing investigation, particularly with the undisclosed motive behind Carmine Faino's actions.
- As the war-and-conflicts and crime-and-justice segments highlight, the shooting of the two Pennsylvania state troopers by Carmine Faino serves as a reminder of the risks that law enforcement officials face daily, with the latest incident involving Joseph Perechinsky and William Jenkins being a prime example.
