THOMPSON TOWNSHIP, PA — Dave E. Carr Jr. says a bullet nearly missed his head during Thursday’s shooting in Susquehanna County. He watched as Pennsylvania State Troopers came under fire. Carr saw patrol vehicles struck by bullets but was not hurt. Two troopers, Joseph Perechinsky and William Jenkins, were seriously wounded. The suspect was shot and killed by police.
One of the most chilling accounts of the incident came from Dave E. Carr Jr., a civilian eyewitness who was dangerously close to the scene when gunfire erupted. Carr shared that a bullet narrowly missed his head as he watched in disbelief while troopers came under fire. He confirmed that their marked patrol vehicles were struck by gunfire during the ambush. Despite being caught in the crossfire, Carr escaped injury and is now speaking out about the trauma of witnessing such violence firsthand.
The wounded officers have been officially identified as Trooper Joseph Perechinsky and Trooper William Jenkins, both with the Pennsylvania State Police. The troopers were responding to a call in the area when they were ambushed by a male suspect wielding a rifle. Both officers suffered serious injuries but were quickly airlifted to Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton, where they are currently in stable condition.
Authorities confirmed that the gunman, who has not yet been publicly identified, refused to comply with commands and was subsequently shot and killed by law enforcement at the scene. The situation has since been declared under control, and there is no ongoing threat to the public.
In an emotional statement to us , Nikki Creps, a woman who personally knew one of the troopers involved, revealed that a female victim was also killed during the incident. The identity of the woman has not been released pending notification of next of kin, and her exact role in the incident remains under investigation. It is not yet clear whether she was a bystander or connected to the suspect.
Governor Josh Shapiro acknowledged the gravity of the situation in a public statement on Thursday. “Lori and I are praying for these brave troopers, and our thoughts are with their families, friends, and every member of the State Police,” he said in a Facebook post. Governor Shapiro also confirmed he would be traveling to the area to meet with law enforcement and the families affected.
The Pennsylvania State Police have launched a full-scale investigation into the shooting, with assistance from other local and state agencies. Witnesses are being interviewed, and forensic units remain on-site collecting evidence to better understand what led to this deadly confrontation.
Dave E. Carr Jr., still visibly shaken, emphasized his gratitude for having survived what could have easily ended in tragedy for him as well. “I was this close. One more inch and it would’ve been me,” he said. “I’ll never forget what I saw.”
The community of Thompson Township, a typically quiet and rural area located about 40 miles north of Scranton, is reeling from the shock of the incident. As support pours in for the injured troopers and the family of the deceased woman, law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information related to the case to contact the Pennsylvania State Police immediately.
More updates are expected as the investigation continues.
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