Crime
57-year-old Lori Wasko killed in Susquehanna County shooting, suspect Carmine Faino dead
SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY, PA — A deadly and chaotic shooting unfolded late Thursday morning in the borough of Thompson, leaving two Pennsylvania State Troopers injured, an EMT hurt, and two individuals dead, including the gunman.
According to investigators, the suspect—identified as 61-year-old Carmine Faino—fatally shot his next-door neighbor, Lori Wasko, 57, outside her home around 11:15 a.m. on Thursday, August 7.
Authorities believe the attack was unprovoked. Wasko’s boyfriend immediately contacted emergency services.
Responding to the 911 call, Pennsylvania State Troopers Joseph Perechinsky and William Jenkins were the first to arrive on the scene.
As they exited their patrol vehicles along Route 171, Faino ambushed them with a rifle, firing multiple rounds.
Trooper Perechinsky was shot twice in the chest, and Trooper Jenkins sustained gunshot wounds to both arms.
Two additional troopers arrived shortly after and were able to reach the wounded officers, facilitating their evacuation.
Both Perechinsky and Jenkins were airlifted to local hospitals and remain in stable condition.
During the standoff, officials observed Faino sitting atop a propane tank, raising serious concerns that he might attempt to use it as an explosive device.
Negotiators attempted to de-escalate the situation; however, when Faino was deemed an imminent threat, he was fatally shot by law enforcement.
An EMT responding to the initial emergency was also caught in the crossfire.
His vehicle was struck by gunfire, causing him to veer off the road and sustain injuries. His condition has not been disclosed.
Governor Josh Shapiro, who confirmed the incident during a scheduled event in Bucks County, later visited Trooper Perechinsky at Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton.
The governor praised Perechinsky’s actions, stating that his quick and decisive response “saved lives,” including that of his fellow trooper and civilians in the area.
“He acted decisively. He acted thoughtfully. And the work he did today exemplifies the absolute best of the Pennsylvania State Police,” Shapiro said.
Nikki Creps, a close acquaintance of Lori Wasko, told Channel2 NOW that Wasko was a deeply loved member of the community.
Creps expressed outrage, noting that the suspect was known to be a troubled individual and should have been incarcerated weeks earlier in connection with a prior home invasion.
Dave E. Carr Jr., who was present during the shooting, recounted a harrowing moment when a bullet narrowly missed his head as he watched troopers come under fire. Patrol vehicles were visibly damaged by gunfire, but Carr fortunately escaped unharmed.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are continuing to process the crime scene and interview witnesses.
Additional details are expected to be released during a press briefing at the Pennsylvania State Police Barracks in Dunmore.
Crime
14-Year-Old Middleton High School Student Carson Chrapkowski Dies After Bicycle Crash, Driver Alyssa Anderson Arrested
MIDDLETON, Idaho — A 14-year-old Middleton High School student has died after being struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle near the high school Friday night, according to the Middleton Police Department.
The teenager was transported by Life Flight to St. Luke’s Boise following the crash but died from his injuries early Saturday morning.
Middleton police said the crash involved a vehicle and a bicyclist near Middleton High School. The 14-year-old suffered critical injuries and was flown to a Boise hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Police announced Saturday morning that the young bicyclist had succumbed to his injuries.
The teen was identified in the information provided for this report as Carson Chrapkowski, a Middleton High School student. However, the police department’s public statement did not release the teenager’s name.
Police arrested 41-year-old Alyssa Louise Anderson in connection with the crash. Anderson was booked into the Canyon County Jail.
According to police, Anderson is facing charges of vehicular manslaughter, aggravated DUI and leaving the scene of an injury accident.
Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances leading up to the collision or the specific allegations supporting the DUI charge.
The crash remains under investigation by the Middleton Police Department and Idaho State Police. Investigators have not released further information about the sequence of events or whether additional charges could be filed.
Police said they are continuing to work to establish the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.
The Middleton Police Department expressed condolences to the teenager’s parents, family, friends, classmates and others affected by his death as the community mourns the loss of a young student.