Pennsylvania State Police are investigating a cross-county pursuit that began Monday following a reported rifle theft and ended with a man dead amid gunfire in Scranton.
Christian Santiago, 20, of Scranton, died at Geisinger Community Medical Center, state police said in a release issued Monday.
Investigators are trying to determine whether a shot heard inside the car or shots fired by troopers led to Santiago's death.
Troopers said the case started with Scranton Police investigating a burglary in which Santiago allegedly stole a .30-06 rifle from a relative's home.
Santiago sent a relative a picture of the rifle and ammunition, leading his family to obtain an involuntary mental health commitment warrant, the release said.
Scranton Police attempted to stop Santiago, who fled in a black Ford Focus.
Troopers said they located the car at about 8:37 p.m. at the Penn Can Travel Plaza in Susquehanna County and pursued it south on Interstate 81 through Lackawanna County.
The pursuit ended near the beginning of the Scranton Expressway after troopers performed a pursuit intervention technique (PIT) maneuver to stop the Ford.
"Santiago displayed a rifle from the driver’s-side window and failed to comply with commands. A gunshot was heard from inside the vehicle, after which the state police discharged rounds into the vehicle," the PSP release said.
"Santiago displayed a rifle from the driver’s-side window and failed to comply with commands. A gunshot was heard from inside the vehicle, after which the state police discharged rounds into the vehicle," the PSP release said.
Members of the Pennsylvania State Police Special Emergency Response Team, Scranton Police Special Operations Group and Lackawanna County SWAT Team removed Santiago from the car, and he was transported to the hospital.
Investigation into "the origin of the gunshot that caused Santiago’s fatal injury" continues, state police said.
There is no threat to the public, the release added.
