THOMPSON, Pa. — A man ambushed and shot two Pennsylvania state troopers on Thursday morning, resulting in the gunman’s death and the officers being hospitalized, state authorities reported.
The incident occurred around 11 a.m. in a rural area near Thompson, approximately 163 miles north of Philadelphia. State police Colonel Christopher Paris confirmed the dispatch was in response to a welfare check when additional reports of gunfire emerged. Upon arrival, the troopers were immediately targeted. “They are very lucky to be alive,” Paris emphasized during a press briefing with Governor Josh Shapiro, who visited one of the injured officers.
Troopers Joseph Perechinsky and William Jenkins sustained serious injuries but were reported to be in stable condition. A fellow officer applied a tourniquet to one of the wounded troopers, and both were airlifted to medical facilities for urgent care. Shapiro praised their bravery, particularly noting Perechinsky’s quick actions that potentially saved lives in the vicinity.
According to a state police statement, the assailant, armed with a rifle, did not follow commands given by law enforcement. The altercation ended when he was shot and killed during the confrontation. The investigation into the specifics of the shooting is ongoing, and Paris confirmed that the troopers’ vehicles were struck by multiple bullets.
Angelica Howell, a deputy coroner in Susquehanna County, stated she was en route to the scene shortly after 3 p.m. However, authorities had not revealed further details regarding any other casualties at that time. Paris noted that the shooter is deceased, and additional information regarding the incident will be released soon.
Local resident Erika Mills described the day as unsettling for a typically serene community. “This is a very quiet town. There has never been anything comparable,” she remarked, reflecting on the shock and fear felt by residents after the violence erupted.
The incident underscores ongoing concerns regarding the safety of law enforcement officers while on duty. As the investigation unfolds, state police and local authorities will continue to provide updates on the condition of the injured troopers and the circumstances surrounding the ambush.