(WBRE/WYOU) — The investigation continues into the attack on two state troopers that left a woman and the suspect dead while the troopers remain in the hospital.
Pennsylvania State Police and Governor Josh Shapiro held a news conference at Geisinger Community Medical Center after two state troopers were ambushed and shot while responding to a call in Susquehanna County.
Colonel Christopher L. Paris identified the troopers who were shot as Joseph Perechinsky and William Jenkins and said they are in stable condition at this time.
The investigation began just after 11:00 a.m. Thursday, when the troopers responded to a welfare check where shots were reportedly fired in the area of State Route 171 in Thompson Township, Paris said. When they arrived, Carmine Faino, 61, opened fire on the troopers, according to PSP.
"A coordinated response by multiple Pennsylvania State Police units and local law enforcement agencies led to the establishment of a secure perimeter around the scene. The suspect was armed with a rifle, refused to comply with commands, and was ultimately shot and killed during the incident. There is no remaining threat to the public," troopers stated in a media release.
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Pennsylvania State Police say that Lori Wasko, 57, of Thompson Township, was shot and killed by Faino, also of Thompson Township, before he opened fire on troopers.
EMS worker Jay Larsen was also injured when he was shot at and crashed his vehicle while responding to the shooting, PSP said.
"They are very lucky to be alive. Trooper Perechinsky was able to place a tourniquet to Trooper Jenkins, and despite both of their patrol cars being riddled with bullets, a third trooper was able to get in and evacuate them, and the incident evolved from there," Paris explained.
Paris said Perechinsky and Jenkins are the fifth and sixth troopers that have been shot since January of 2023, with one of those instances being fatal.
Watch the full press conference in the video player above for the latest details.
