Two Pennsylvania Troopers Ambushed, Shot; Suspect Killed During Welfare Check Incident

Two Pennsylvania state troopers, Joseph Perechinsky and William Jenkins, were shot during a welfare check call on Thursday morning, approximately 45 miles from Scranton. The incident occurred around 11:17 am local time near State Route 171 in Thompson Township.

According to Pennsylvania State Police Colonel Christopher Paris, the troopers were immediately met with gunfire and ambushed during the welfare check. Both officers were airlifted to a hospital for emergency treatment and are currently reported to be in stable condition.

The unidentified suspect, who failed to comply with police commands, was shot and killed at the scene. The encounter transpired amidst a joint response by state police and local law enforcement, who established a perimeter around the area and approached the suspect.

State police stated that the suspect was armed with a rifle and exhibited non-compliance throughout the incident before being fatally shot. Trooper Perechinsky’s quick thinking proved critical as he applied a tourniquet to his fellow officer to help manage their injuries. Despite their patrol cars being riddled with bullets, a third trooper successfully extracted the injured officers from the scene.

Governor Josh Shapiro expressed gratitude for the officers’ resilience and noted that Trooper Perechinsky was “in good spirits” during his visit. The governor praised Perechinsky as a community hero, citing his actions as a testament to the exceptional qualities of the Pennsylvania State Police.