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Murder Suspect Shot Dead By Police In Harrisburg, 'Justified,' DA Rules

A murder suspect who rammed a police cruiser and pointed a loaded gun at officers was shot dead in Harrisburg, Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo announced on Wednesday, Feb. 19. The use of deadly force was ruled justified.

Santiago Gutierrez, 29, was wanted for the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Jhonny Torres on Nectarine Street in Harrisburg on Sunday, Dec. 8, Chardo said. He fled the scene after gunning Torres down in the street, police said.

Penbrook Borough Police received a tip on Tuesday, Dec. 10, that Gutierrez was driving a white tractor-trailer near the city’s boundary, Chardo said. Officers confirmed a murder warrant with the U.S. Marshals and tracked him as he turned into Albright’s Tire Service on Cameron Street.

Marked police units boxed in the truck, Chardo said. Officers ordered Gutierrez to surrender, but he reversed, crashed through a cruiser, and accelerated toward Cameron Street, nearly hitting an officer, Chardo said.

As police opened fire, Gutierrez pointed a loaded handgun out his window and attempted to shoot, Chardo said. More gunfire struck him in the side, arm, and leg, making him drop the weapon. When he grabbed the gun again, officers fired another round, with a final shot striking him in the head, Chardo said.

Pennsylvania State Police confirmed Gutierrez’s handgun was the same one used in Torres’ murder, Chardo said. The DA ruled officers acted lawfully, citing the immediate danger to police and the public.

The investigation is closed, and the names of the officers will not be released, Chardo said.

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