A gunman in rural northeastern Pennsylvania shot and killed his neighbor then fired dozens of rounds at two responding troopers, injuring them, in what police described as an ambush.
An emergency medical technician who responded to the call of shots fired at the residence in Susquehanna County was also injured when he crashed his vehicle while trying to evade the gunfire, according to Pennsylvania State Police Col. Christopher Paris.
"It's been a very tragic and harrowing day for the community here in Susquehanna County and the Pennsylvania State Police," Paris said during a press briefing Thursday evening.
The suspected gunman -- 61-year-old Carmine Faino -- lived several hundred yards away on the opposite side of the street, Paris said.
Troopers and law enforcement from multiple counties attempted to set up a perimeter around Faino, who was "moving about," Paris said. He shot down a drone, and at one point was sitting on a propane tank, which sparked concerns it was an "improvised explosive device," Paris said.
"After a period of attempting to negotiate with him, he continued to be a threat, and he was shot by members of the special emergency response team," Paris said.
The suspect was confirmed dead, and authorities say there is no threat to the public.
The motive remains under investigation and police are looking into the suspect's background, Paris said. The shooting does appear to have been planned, Paris said, pointing to the suspect's "position of tactical advantage."
"I would say it doesn't lend itself to a spur-of-the moment-type decision, at least once he made the decision to open fire," Paris said.
The troopers, identified as Joseph Perechinsky and William Jenkins, were seriously hurt and are hospitalized in stable condition, police said.
Despite his injuries, Perechinsky was able to apply a tourniquet to his partner's arms, Paris said.
"Despite both of their patrol cars being riddled with bullets, a third trooper was able to get in and evacuate them," Paris said.
Paris said the two injured troopers are "very lucky to be alive."
The EMT is in stable condition, police said.
Shapiro commended the first responders and called Perechinsky a "hero" for his actions.
"He quite likely almost saved the life of his partner," Shapiro told reporters.