HARRISBURG, Pa. — Harrisburg police shared more on Wednesday about what led to a violent shootout with a wanted homicide suspect on Tuesday, Dec. 10.
Commissioner Thomas Carter of the Harrisburg Bureau of Police said police acted bravely as they engaged with the suspect.
“That morning when they first woke up they didn’t realize that was going to happen, but as a police officer you have to be prepared every second of the day that things change," said Commissioner Carter.
Harrisburg officers got a tip from Penbrook police that Santiago Gutierrez, who was wanted for the murder of a 25-year-old, was driving a tractor-trailer.
The truck was spotted by officers on North Cameron Street in Harrisburg just before 10:30 on Tuesday morning.
Police say they tried to safely take Gutierrez into custody after he pulled the truck over in a parking lot.
“Unfortunately Mr. Gutierrez chose the route of non-compliance and initiated violent action towards officers to attempt an escape," said Captain Terry Wealand of the Harrisburg Bureau of Police.
That’s when police fired back, ultimately killing Gutierrez.
“This is a very tragic incident for all involved and certainly nothing here to be celebrated," added Chief Joseph Hogarth of the Penbrook Police Department on Wednesday. "Having said that I am thankful for and proud of all the officers that responded and stood in harm’s way to make the community safe."
Police would not say whether Gutierrez owned the truck, or how he got it.
The Dauphin County District Attorney continues to investigate the shooting and will determine if the use of force was justified.