Crime
Two Pennsylvania State Troopers Hospitalized, Suspect Killed in Susquehanna County Shooting
SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY, Pa. — Two Pennsylvania State Troopers were seriously injured, a civilian was killed, and the suspect was fatally shot during a violent incident late Thursday morning in Susquehanna County.
According to the Pennsylvania State Police, Troopers Joseph Perechinsky and William Jenkins were dispatched around 11:00 a.m. to conduct a welfare check along Route 171 in Thompson Township.
Upon arrival, they were immediately met with gunfire from a suspect armed with a rifle.
Both troopers sustained serious injuries in the exchange of gunfire.
Emergency medical crews responded quickly, and the injured troopers were airlifted to a hospital.
As of Thursday evening, both remain in stable condition.
The suspect was shot and killed at the scene by law enforcement.
His identity has not yet been released, and the circumstances leading to the confrontation remain under investigation.
Lori Wasko, a resident of the area, was also shot and killed during the incident.
According to her neighbor, Nikki Creps, Kelsey was a deeply loved member of the community. Creps expressed frustration over her death, stating that the suspect — described as a troubled individual — should have been in custody weeks earlier in connection with a previous home invasion.
Witness Dave E. Carr Jr. reported that a bullet narrowly missed his head as he saw troopers come under heavy fire, with multiple patrol vehicles struck by gunfire.
Carr was not injured.
Governor Josh Shapiro, speaking during a scheduled event in Bucks County, confirmed the shooting and later traveled to Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton to visit Trooper Perechinsky.
The governor commended Perechinsky for his heroic actions, noting that he saved multiple lives during the incident, including that of his partner, Trooper Jenkins.
Shapiro said Perechinsky is in good spirits and surrounded by family as he recovers.
He also confirmed plans to visit Trooper Jenkins, though the hospital where Jenkins is receiving treatment has not yet been disclosed.
A press briefing with further details is expected to be held later Thursday evening at the Pennsylvania State Police Barracks in Dunmore.
The investigation remains active as authorities continue processing the scene and collecting evidence.
CHEROKEE COUNTY, Kan. — A 23-year-old man from Riverton has died following a shooting at a rural property in Cherokee County, Kansas, and his 19-year-old brother has been booked into jail on a second-degree murder allegation, according to information released by authorities.
The victim was identified as Gannon Reece, 23, of Riverton, Kansas. The suspect was identified as Joshua Wilson, 19, also of Riverton, who is the victim’s brother.
According to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Wilson was booked into the Cherokee County Jail on suspicion of second-degree murder. Formal charges are expected to be submitted to the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office.
Authorities said the Cherokee County Emergency Communication Center received a 911 call on October 23, 2026, reporting that a person had been shot at 4971 SE 67th, in a rural area of Cherokee County.
Deputies were dispatched to the location to investigate the reported shooting.
When deputies arrived, they found a man suffering from gunshot wounds. Cherokee County Emergency Medical Services personnel examined the victim and determined that he had died.
The suspect, who authorities later identified as Joshua Wilson, was still at the scene when deputies arrived. Officers immediately detained him as the investigation began.
Authorities subsequently identified the deceased man as Gannon Reece and confirmed that Wilson was his younger brother.
Wilson was booked into the Cherokee County Jail in connection with Reece’s death on suspicion of second-degree murder.
According to the information provided by authorities, formal charges will be submitted to the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office. The available information does not specify whether prosecutors have formally filed the charges in court or whether Wilson has appeared before a judge.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to establish the circumstances that led to the shooting.
No details have been released about what preceded the incident, whether an argument occurred, or what may have motivated the shooting. Authorities have not provided information about a possible firearm recovery or any other evidence beyond the initial circumstances described in the report.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation with assistance from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office.
Investigators are working to determine the full circumstances surrounding Reece’s death and gather evidence relevant to the case.
Authorities have stated that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Officials also announced a temporary road closure affecting SE Lostine between Highway 69A and SE 60th.
Motorists were advised to use alternate routes until further notice while the closure remained in effect. The information provided did not specify when the roadway would reopen.
Drivers traveling through the area were encouraged to follow local traffic instructions and allow additional time for their journeys.
The fatal shooting has resulted in the death of a young Riverton resident and the arrest of his 19-year-old brother.
While authorities have identified both men and disclosed the booking allegation, several details remain unknown, including the events leading up to the shooting and the formal status of the prosecution.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and Cherokee County Attorney’s Office are continuing to investigate.
Joshua Wilson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.