A situation unfolded late Thursday morning in Thompson Township, Susquehanna County, as two Pennsylvania State Police Troopers were shot while responding to a call on State Route 171.
The incident prompted a massive law enforcement response and ended with the suspect being fatally shot.
At approximately 11:17 a.m., Troopers arrived on scene to investigate a reported disturbance. Upon their arrival, a male suspect opened fire, striking Trooper Joseph Perechinsky and Trooper William Jenkins. Both sustained serious injuries and were airlifted to a nearby medical facility for emergency treatment. As of Thursday evening, both Troopers remain hospitalized in stable condition.
Following the initial gunfire, multiple units from the Pennsylvania State Police and surrounding local law enforcement agencies responded quickly to contain the situation. A secure perimeter was established, and tactical operations commenced to neutralize the threat. Authorities confirmed the suspect, who was armed with a rifle and refused to comply with police commands, was ultimately shot and killed during the standoff.
"There is no longer a threat to the public," officials said in a statement Thursday afternoon.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. State Police have not yet released the identity of the suspect and continue to process the scene for evidence. Authorities are urging the public to avoid the area of Route 171, roughly five miles north of the town of Thompson, as law enforcement operations continue.
“We are grateful for the quick response and bravery shown by our Troopers and assisting agencies today,” said a PSP spokesperson. “Our thoughts are with Trooper Perechinsky, Trooper Jenkins, and their families as they begin the road to recovery.”
Further details, including the motive behind the attack and the suspect’s identity, are expected to be released as the investigation progresses.
At approximately 11:17 a.m., Troopers arrived on scene to investigate a reported disturbance. Upon their arrival, a male suspect opened fire, striking Trooper Joseph Perechinsky and Trooper William Jenkins. Both sustained serious injuries and were airlifted to a nearby medical facility for emergency treatment. As of Thursday evening, both Troopers remain hospitalized in stable condition.
Following the initial gunfire, multiple units from the Pennsylvania State Police and surrounding local law enforcement agencies responded quickly to contain the situation. A secure perimeter was established, and tactical operations commenced to neutralize the threat. Authorities confirmed the suspect, who was armed with a rifle and refused to comply with police commands, was ultimately shot and killed during the standoff.
"There is no longer a threat to the public," officials said in a statement Thursday afternoon.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. State Police have not yet released the identity of the suspect and continue to process the scene for evidence. Authorities are urging the public to avoid the area of Route 171, roughly five miles north of the town of Thompson, as law enforcement operations continue.
“We are grateful for the quick response and bravery shown by our Troopers and assisting agencies today,” said a PSP spokesperson. “Our thoughts are with Trooper Perechinsky, Trooper Jenkins, and their families as they begin the road to recovery.”
Further details, including the motive behind the attack and the suspect’s identity, are expected to be released as the investigation progresses.