SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY, Pa. — A quiet Thursday morning in rural Susquehanna County turned violent when two Pennsylvania State Troopers were shot while responding to a welfare check, leaving both hospitalized and the suspect dead.
According to state police, the incident unfolded shortly after 11 a.m. along Route 171 in Thompson Township. Troopers Joseph Perechinsky and William Jenkins had been dispatched to check on the welfare of an individual at a residence in the area. When they arrived, officials say the situation escalated without warning.
The suspect, reportedly armed with a rifle, opened fire on the troopers as they approached, striking both officers and causing serious injuries. Despite his own wounds, Trooper Perechinsky returned fire and acted decisively to protect his partner and others at the scene.
Emergency crews quickly moved in, and both injured troopers were airlifted to a regional hospital. Authorities report that they remain in stable condition. The gunman was shot and killed during the exchange, though his identity has not yet been released pending notification of family.
Governor Josh Shapiro first announced the incident publicly while attending an event in Bucks County. Later in the day, he traveled to Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton to visit Trooper Perechinsky and his family. The governor praised Perechinsky’s actions, noting that he “saved lives, including his partner’s” during the confrontation. Shapiro described the trooper as being in good spirits despite the severity of the incident and confirmed he was on his way to visit Trooper Jenkins as well. Officials have not disclosed which hospital is currently treating Jenkins.
The Pennsylvania State Police have not provided further details about the events leading up to the shooting or the motive behind it. The investigation remains active, and authorities expect to release more information as it becomes available.
A press conference is scheduled for Thursday evening at the State Police Barracks in Dunmore, where officials are expected to address the public and answer questions about the shooting.
This marks another stark reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face in the line of duty, even during calls that may seem routine.