17-Year-Old Garrett Gearhart Shot and Killed in Stroudsburg Wawa Shooting; 25-Year-Old Andrew Quattrochi Arrested in Connection with the Death
Introduction: A Tragic Incident at Wawa
On the night of December 2, 2024, tragedy struck the Stroudsburg community as 17-year-old Garrett Gearhart lost his life following a shooting at a local Wawa store on West Main Street. The Stroud Area Regional Police responded to multiple reports of a shooting at the scene shortly after 8:00 p.m., only to find Gearhart gravely injured. Despite efforts to save his life, he was pronounced dead at Lehigh Valley Hospital later that evening. Authorities have arrested 25-year-old Andrew Quattrochi from Bushkill, Pennsylvania, in connection with the incident. The shooting is believed to have stemmed from a verbal altercation that escalated into violence. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are seeking any additional information that could shed light on the events that led to Gearhart’s tragic death.
A Night of Violence: The Incident at Wawa
It was a cold and ordinary evening in Stroudsburg when an altercation inside the Wawa convenience store quickly spiraled into a deadly encounter. Just after 8:00 p.m., police received multiple calls reporting shots fired inside the store. Officers arrived at the scene within minutes, only to discover 17-year-old Garrett Gearhart, who was later identified as the victim, lying on the floor of the store with a gunshot wound to his neck. Stroud Area Regional Police immediately administered lifesaving measures in an attempt to stabilize Gearhart, and emergency medical services soon arrived to assist.
Despite the quick response from first responders, Gearhart’s condition worsened. He was rushed to Lehigh Valley Hospital, but despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries before 11:00 p.m. He was pronounced dead by the Monroe County Coroner’s Office.
The Victim: Remembering Garrett Gearhart
Garrett Sorrenti, also known by his full name Garrett Gearhart, was a 17-year-old high school student from Stroudsburg. Described by friends and family as kind-hearted and well-liked, Garrett was a young man full of promise. His untimely death has left a gaping hole in the hearts of those who knew him.
Garrett had recently celebrated his birthday just a few weeks earlier, and in the days leading up to the tragedy, he was spending time with friends and looking forward to his senior year of high school. He had plans to attend college after graduation, dreaming of a future in environmental science. Friends remember him as someone who loved the outdoors, particularly hiking and fishing. Garrett’s family speaks of him as a son who always tried to bring joy to those around him, and whose presence was a source of comfort to them.
“He had a bright future ahead of him,” said his mother, Lisa Gearhart, in a statement to the press. “He was passionate, always wanting to help others. Garrett was my world, and it’s hard to believe he’s gone.”
Garrett’s family has called for justice in the wake of his tragic death, and many community members have rallied around them, expressing their grief and support. A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist the Gearhart family with funeral expenses, and a memorial service is planned for later this week.
The Suspect: Andrew Quattrochi Arrested
Within hours of the shooting, Stroud Area Regional Police were able to identify and apprehend the suspect, 25-year-old Andrew Quattrochi of Bushkill, Pennsylvania. According to official reports, Quattrochi was located and taken into custody without incident. He has been charged in connection with Garrett Gearhart’s death, although no specific charges had been filed at the time of the initial arrest. Investigators believe that Quattrochi’s involvement in the shooting stems from a confrontation inside the Wawa store, but they have yet to provide further details regarding the nature of the dispute.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the full circumstances of the altercation or what led Quattrochi to escalate the situation into a violent act. Preliminary reports indicate that the confrontation initially began as a verbal disagreement between Quattrochi and Gearhart. The disagreement quickly escalated, with Quattrochi allegedly producing a handgun and firing a single shot. He fled the scene immediately afterward, but law enforcement tracked him down and arrested him hours later.
The arrest of Quattrochi has brought some sense of closure to the community, but many questions remain unanswered. Investigators are working to piece together the events of that night, and authorities are encouraging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. They have described the shooting as an “isolated incident” and emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
Community Reaction: Grief and Calls for Justice
Garrett Gearhart’s death has left the Stroudsburg community in shock, as residents struggle to make sense of the senseless act of violence. Wawa, the store where the shooting took place, is a staple in the community, frequented by locals for quick meals, snacks, and coffee. Many individuals have expressed disbelief that such a violent event could occur in a familiar, everyday setting.
“Stroudsburg is a small town; you don’t expect something like this to happen,” said Jane Miller, a local resident who frequently visits the Wawa. “This is the kind of place where everyone knows everyone, and this just shakes you.”
In response to the tragedy, the community has rallied in support of Garrett’s family. Local businesses have organized fundraising efforts, and a vigil has been scheduled to honor Garrett’s memory. On social media, many of Garrett’s friends and classmates have shared messages of remembrance, recounting his warmth and kindness.
In addition to the outpouring of support, local leaders have called for increased attention to gun violence in the region, urging policymakers to enact stronger measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
“This is a tragic loss for our community,” said Stroudsburg Borough Mayor James F. Johnson. “No family should have to experience this kind of pain. We are committed to supporting Garrett’s family and ensuring that justice is served.”
The Investigation: Uncovering the Truth
Following the arrest of Andrew Quattrochi, the Stroud Area Regional Police Department launched an extensive investigation into the events leading up to the fatal shooting. Investigators are reviewing security footage from the Wawa store, interviewing witnesses, and examining the firearm used in the shooting.
Preliminary reports suggest that the altercation began inside the store, where Quattrochi and Gearhart exchanged words. Witnesses have reported seeing the two individuals engage in a physical struggle before Quattrochi drew the gun and fired. The shooting itself took place in a part of the store near the front counter, where Garrett collapsed shortly afterward.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are requesting that anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has relevant information come forward. Detectives are working diligently to piece together the full timeline of events and to determine the motive behind the shooting.
An autopsy of Garrett Gearhart is scheduled later this week to confirm the exact cause of death, though the gunshot wound to the neck is believed to be the primary cause.
Addressing Gun Violence: A Broader Issue
This tragedy highlights a growing concern about gun violence, particularly in public spaces. According to national statistics, the United States continues to experience high rates of gun violence, with nearly 40,000 gun-related deaths annually. The Stroudsburg shooting is a stark reminder of the danger that firearms can pose, even in seemingly peaceful communities.
Gun violence prevention advocates have called for more stringent laws and regulations governing firearms, arguing that such incidents can be avoided through stronger background checks, mandatory gun registration, and better mental health support.
“It’s heartbreaking that another young life was taken by a senseless act of violence,” said Kate Sullivan, a local advocate for gun control. “We need to do everything we can to prevent these kinds of tragedies from happening.”
Conclusion: A Community in Mourning, Seeking Justice
As the investigation continues, the Stroudsburg community remains in mourning over the loss of Garrett Gearhart. Friends and family are left grappling with their grief, and questions linger about why such a senseless act of violence occurred.
The arrest of Andrew Quattrochi offers some sense of accountability, but the full picture of what transpired that evening at the Wawa store remains unclear. Authorities are working tirelessly to uncover the facts and ensure that justice is served for Garrett.
In the meantime, the Gearhart family, supported by their community, continues to remember the young man they lost too soon. Garrett’s story, tragically, is yet another in a growing number of lives cut short by violence. However, his family remains steadfast in their belief that his death will not be in vain. As they mourn, they call on others to take action and work together to ensure such a tragedy never happens again.
For now, the community is left with the painful question: why did this happen to Garrett Gearhart? And, how can we prevent such violence from claiming more innocent lives in the future? Only time will tell as the investigation progresses, but one thing is certain: the legacy of Garrett Gearhart will live on in the hearts of those who loved him, and his memory will continue to inspire those seeking justice in his name.
