A suspect opened fire on Pennsylvania State Police officers responding to a call in Susquehanna County, leaving two troopers seriously wounded.

According to The Daily Caller, the incident occurred on Thursday in Thompson Township when officers were conducting a welfare check that reportedly involved shots being fired. Troopers Joseph Perechinsky and William Jenkins sustained serious injuries and were airlifted to a medical facility for emergency treatment.

The shooting happened shortly after 11:00 a.m. in a rural area, with state police Colonel Christopher Paris telling reporters that the officers were "immediately fired upon and ambushed" upon arrival at the scene. The suspect, who was carrying a rifle, was later shot and killed during the confrontation with law enforcement.

Troopers Show Remarkable Courage Under Fire

Officials secured a perimeter around the incident location while dealing with the armed suspect who refused to comply with commands. The Pennsylvania State Police confirmed in a press release that the suspect was "ultimately shot and killed during the incident."

Despite the severity of their injuries, both troopers are currently in stable condition while remaining hospitalized. One of the wounded officers reportedly applied a tourniquet to his colleague, demonstrating extraordinary composure during the life-threatening situation.

Authorities have assured the public there is no ongoing danger as the investigation continues into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The incident occurred on Route 171, approximately five miles north of the town of Thompson.

Details Emerge About Trooper Injuries And Response

One trooper required surgery after suffering gunshot wounds to the chest and back, while his colleague was wounded in the arm. The information was reported by ABC News, which cited official sources familiar with the medical conditions of the officers.

Paris revealed that the troopers' vehicles were also struck by gunfire during the ambush. The violent nature of the attack highlighted the dangers faced by law enforcement officers responding to potentially volatile situations.

A third trooper reportedly intervened to rescue the wounded officers, though specific details about this rescue operation have not been fully disclosed. The swift response likely prevented more serious outcomes for the injured personnel.

Welfare Check Turns Violent In Rural Setting

Colonel Paris explained that the troopers were conducting a welfare check with additional information suggesting shots had been fired at the location. "But upon their arrival, they were immediately fired upon and ambushed. They are very lucky to be alive," Paris stated.

The Pennsylvania State Police took to social media to advise the public to avoid the incident area while the investigation was ongoing. The rural setting of the confrontation presented additional challenges for emergency response.

The shooting occurred in northeastern Susquehanna County, a predominantly rural area of Pennsylvania. Such locations can present unique challenges for law enforcement due to potentially longer response times for backup and emergency medical services.

Why This Story Matters

The shooting of two state troopers in Pennsylvania highlights the unpredictable and often dangerous nature of law enforcement work, even in rural communities. It underscores the risks public safety officers face each day and reminds citizens of the importance of supporting those who protect them. The incident also raises deeper questions about gun violence and mental health in our communities.

Final Thoughts

On August 7, 2025, Troopers Perechinsky and Jenkins were shot by an armed suspect during a welfare check in Thompson Township, Pennsylvania. The officers, seriously injured but stable, were rescued by fellow troopers and airlifted for emergency care. The alleged gunman, who fired first and ignored commands, was killed during the confrontation.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to understand what led to the violent ambush. While the suspect’s identity has not yet been released, police assure the public that there is no further danger in the area. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the hazards law enforcement officers willingly face in service to the public.