SCRANTON, PENNSYLVANIA — With heavy hearts, family, friends, and community members are mourning the death of Christian Santiago, 20, following a police pursuit and officer-involved shooting Monday night in northeastern Pennsylvania.

According to the Pennsylvania State Police, the incident began after Scranton police investigated a burglary in which Santiago was alleged to have taken a .30-06 rifle from a relative’s residence. Police said his family later obtained an involuntary mental health commitment warrant.

At approximately 8:37 p.m., state police located Santiago’s black Ford Focus at the Penn Can Travel Plaza in Susquehanna County. Police said a pursuit began after he did not stop and continued south on Interstate 81 through several Lackawanna County communities.

The pursuit ended near the beginning of the Scranton Expressway after state police performed a PIT maneuver.

During the subsequent vehicle stop, state police said Santiago displayed a rifle from the driver’s-side window and did not comply with commands. Investigators reported hearing a gunshot from inside the vehicle, after which troopers fired multiple rounds into the vehicle.

Santiago was removed from the vehicle by members of the Pennsylvania State Police SERT, Scranton SOG, and Lackawanna County SWAT Team. He was transported to Geisinger Community Medical Center, where he later died.

State police have said investigators are working to determine the origin of the gunshot that caused Christian’s fatal injury. The exact cause of his death has not been released.

The investigation is being conducted by the Troop R Major Case Team, with assistance from Troop R Forensic Services and the Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Specialist unit. Authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the pursuit, the gunfire, and the final confrontation.

As the investigation continues, Christian’s family and loved ones are left facing the painful reality of a young life ended far too soon. At only 20 years old, he had years ahead of him—more moments, more experiences, and more opportunities still to come.

Christian was more than the circumstances of his final moments. He was a person with a life, relationships, memories, and people who cared about him. For those closest to him, the days ahead may bring sorrow, unanswered questions, and the longing for one more conversation or one more moment together.

May Christian’s loved ones be surrounded by compassion, patience, and support during this difficult time. May they find strength in one another and comfort in the memories they shared with him.

May Christian Santiago rest in peace. May he be remembered with dignity, and may his family find comfort as they mourn his passing.