In the serene, rolling hills of Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, where the Endless Mountains cradle small communities in quiet solitude, a violent ambush unfolded on Thursday, August 7, 2025, leaving a peaceful township reeling. What began as a routine welfare check along Route 171 in Thompson Township spiraled into a harrowing tragedy that claimed one life, left two Pennsylvania State Troopers seriously injured, and ended with the suspect’s death at the hands of law enforcement. This is the story of a day that shook a close-knit community to its core, marked by loss, bravery, and an outpouring of support.
It was just after 11:17 a.m. when Troopers Joseph Perechinsky and William Jenkins, seasoned members of the Pennsylvania State Police, were dispatched to a home along the rural stretch of Route 171, about five miles north of the village of Thompson. The call was initially to check on the welfare of an individual, with reports of shots fired in the area. Little did they know, they were walking into a deadly trap. As the troopers arrived, 61-year-old Carmine Faino, armed with a semiautomatic rifle, unleashed a barrage of gunfire from a position of tactical advantage, ambushing the officers in a calculated attack.
The scene was chaotic. Bullets tore through the air, riddling patrol cars with holes and striking both troopers. Trooper Perechinsky, a six-year veteran, was shot twice in the chest and torso. Trooper Jenkins, a father of four with a decade of service, took bullets to both arms. Despite their grave injuries, Perechinsky’s quick thinking and training kicked in. Bleeding and under fire, he managed to apply a tourniquet to Jenkins’ arms, a heroic act that likely saved his partner’s life. A third trooper, undeterred by the hail of bullets, braved the danger to evacuate the wounded officers to safety. Both Perechinsky and Jenkins were airlifted to nearby hospitals, where they remain in stable condition, their survival a testament to their resilience and the swift response of emergency medical crews.
The violence didn’t end with the troopers. Lori Wasko, a 57-year-old beloved member of the Thompson Township community, was gunned down by Faino outside her home before police arrived. Her boyfriend, who shared the residence, made a desperate 911 call reporting the shots, alerting authorities to the unfolding horror. Wasko’s death sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community. Neighbor Nikki Creps described her as a deeply cherished figure, her voice heavy with grief and frustration. Creps revealed that Faino, who lived just a few hundred yards away on the opposite side of Route 171, was a known troubled individual with a history of unsettling behavior, including a prior home invasion. “He should have been locked up weeks ago,” Creps lamented, echoing the community’s anguish over a tragedy that felt preventable.
As the situation escalated, Faino continued his rampage, firing dozens of rounds at responding officers and even shooting down a police drone. Positioned near a propane tank that authorities feared could be weaponized, he refused to comply with commands. The Pennsylvania State Police’s Special Emergency Response Team moved decisively, neutralizing Faino, who was killed at the scene. His motives remain unclear, though State Police Colonel Christopher Paris noted that the attack appeared planned, given Faino’s strategic positioning and relentless gunfire. Investigators are now digging into his background, searching for answers to what drove him to such violence.
The chaos wasn’t limited to the immediate victims. An emergency medical technician, racing to the scene, crashed his vehicle while trying to evade Faino’s gunfire, sustaining injuries in the process. Nearby resident Dave E. Carr Jr. narrowly escaped death when a bullet whizzed past his head as he witnessed the troopers under fire. “This is not an area where this happens,” a distraught bystander muttered to reporters, capturing the disbelief of a community unaccustomed to such violence. Erika Mills, who lives less than a mile from the scene, called it a “terrifying day” in a town known for its tranquility.
Governor Josh Shapiro, speaking at an unrelated event in Bucks County, broke the news of the shooting with a somber tone, pledging to travel to Susquehanna County to support the troopers and their families. Later that day, he visited Trooper Perechinsky at Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton, where the officer was in good spirits, surrounded by loved ones. Shapiro hailed Perechinsky as a “real hero,” crediting his decisive actions with saving lives, including that of his partner and others in the community. The governor also planned to visit Trooper Jenkins, whose hospital location was not disclosed, underscoring the ongoing support for both officers. “They represent the absolute best of the Pennsylvania State Police,” Shapiro declared, his words echoing the pride and gratitude of a state rallying behind its law enforcement.
The incident sent ripples far beyond Susquehanna County. U.S. Senator Dave McCormick, Representative Rob Bresnahan, and Senator John Fetterman took to social media to express relief at the troopers’ stable condition and offer prayers for their recovery. The Diocese of Scranton called for community prayers, while Congressman Dan Meuser emphasized the power of collective support, stating, “I’m sure your prayers made a difference.” Route 171 was closed in both directions between Main Street and Starruca Creek Road, as well as between Bethel Hill Road and Church Hill Lake Road, as law enforcement secured the area. The Pennsylvania State Police, alongside the Susquehanna County District Attorney’s Office, continue to process the scene, piecing together the events of a day that will leave lasting scars.
In a region known for its scenic beauty and quiet charm, the events of August 7, 2025, stand as a stark reminder of the fragility of peace. For the residents of Thompson Township, the loss of Lori Wasko is a wound that will take time to heal. For Troopers Perechinsky and Jenkins, their survival is a story of courage under fire, a testament to the bravery of those who serve. As the investigation unfolds, the community holds its breath, mourning the fallen, praying for the injured, and searching for answers in the wake of a tragedy that shattered their quiet town.
