SCRANTON, Pa. (WBNG) — A Pennsylvania man died at the hospital on Monday following an officer-involved shooting from a chase that spanned several counties after a reported burglary, according to information from Pennsylvania State Police.
Christian Santiago, 20, died at the hospital on Monday, Sept. 7, after he was shot by troopers following a police chase in which troopers said he pointed a rifle out of the driver’s side window.
On Monday, Scranton Police were investigating a reported burglary in which Santiago allegedly stole a .30-06 rifle from a relative’s residence. Troopers reported that Santiago sent a picture of the rifle and ammo to a family member.
After the photo was sent, his family obtained an involuntary mental health commitment warrant.
Police were searching for Santiago and later found him and tried to stop him, but he managed to escape and went north into Susquehanna County.
Around 8:37, troopers found Santiago’s car at the Penn Can Travel Plaza in Susquehanna County.
A chase began from the plaza, and Santiago led police south on Interstate 81 and through several communities in Lackawanna County.
Troopers did a PIT maneuver on Santiago’s car, ending the chase near the beginning of the Scranton Expressway.
During the stop, Santiago pointed a rifle from the driver’s-side window and would not listen to commands, troopers said.
At some point, a gunshot was heard from inside the car. This action caused troopers to shoot into Santiago’s vehicle.
After the shooting, Santiago was taken out of the car and sent to Geisinger Community Medical Center, where he later died, troopers said.
The shooting is under investigation, and troopers are working to determine the origin of the gunshot that caused Santiago’s death, troopers said.
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