🤍 Christian Santiago, 20, lost his life Sunday night following a tense police pursuit and standoff near Scranton, Pennsylvania.
According to Pennsylvania State Police, the incident began Sunday, September 7, while Scranton Police were investigating a burglary. Investigators allege Santiago had taken a .30-06 rifle from a relative's residence.
Police said concerns grew after Santiago sent a family member a photograph showing the rifle and ammunition. The family member then went to police and obtained an involuntary mental health commitment warrant.
Scranton Police later attempted to stop Santiago, but he reportedly fled in a black Ford Focus.
At approximately 8:37 p.m., state troopers spotted the vehicle at the Penn Can Travel Plaza in Susquehanna County. Santiago again fled, leading officers on a high-speed pursuit south on Interstate 81 through parts of Lackawanna County.
The pursuit eventually ended near the entrance to the Scranton Expressway after police used a Pursuit Intervention Technique to stop the vehicle.
During the subsequent felony vehicle stop, police said Santiago displayed a rifle through the driver's side window and refused officers' commands. A gunshot was then heard coming from inside the vehicle, prompting state troopers to fire into the vehicle.
Members of the Pennsylvania State Police Special Emergency Response Team, Scranton's Special Operations Group and the Lackawanna County SWAT Team removed Santiago from the vehicle.
He was transported to Geisinger Community Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.
The Pennsylvania State Police Major Case Team, along with forensic and collision reconstruction units, is investigating the incident. Authorities are working to determine whether the fatal gunshot came from inside the vehicle or from police gunfire.
The investigation remains active. Authorities said there is no ongoing threat to the public.
At just 20 years old, Christian Santiago's life came to an unexpected end, leaving behind unanswered questions and those who knew him to remember the life he lived.
🌹 May his memory remain with everyone who knew and loved him.
