Two Pennsylvania state troopers were seriously injured Thursday morning when they were ambushed while responding to a call in Susquehanna County. The suspected gunman was shot and killed at the scene, authorities said.
Troopers Joseph Perechinsky and William Jenkins were airlifted to a hospital after the attack near the small town of Thompson, close to the state’s northeastern border. Both are in stable condition and expected to recover, Governor Josh Shapiro said during a hospital briefing.
According to Pennsylvania State Police, the troopers were dispatched shortly after 11 a.m. to check on the welfare of a person at a residence. Col. Christopher Paris said the call also included information about possible gunfire. When the troopers arrived, they were met with immediate rifle fire.
“Despite both patrol cars being riddled with bullets, a third trooper was able to get in and evacuate them,” Paris said, calling the troopers “very lucky to be alive.”
Law enforcement quickly established a perimeter, but the suspect refused to follow commands. Officers returned fire, killing him. Officials said there was no longer a threat to the public.
Shapiro and Paris credited Perechinsky for applying a tourniquet to Jenkins at the scene, an action they said likely saved his life and possibly others.
Pennsylvania Route 171 was closed about five miles south of Thompson as a large police presence secured the area. Shapiro, who was scheduled to speak at an unrelated event in Bucks County, announced the shooting there before traveling to the scene.
