ALLENTOWN, PA — A 42-year-old woman died Friday night after an SUV struck the e-scooter she was riding in Allentown, according to police. The crash happened on the 4200 block of South 4th Street just after 11:30 p.m.
Investigators say the SUV rear-ended the scooter, causing the deadly collision. Police later identified the driver as 22-year-old Eliezer Santiago, who is now facing multiple charges, including driving under the influence.
Police say the driver tried to leave the scene
Authorities say Santiago attempted to flee after the crash. Police did not say how far he got before officers located him, but they say he was taken into custody a short time later.
His arrest came after he nearly hit a vehicle that was responding to the scene, according to police. That detail underscores the chaotic moments after the collision and the danger facing first responders and others nearby.
Crash happened late Friday on South 4th Street
The collision took place in a residential and commercial corridor of the city on South 4th Street, a road that carries steady traffic through that part of Allentown. Police have not released the woman’s name.
Officials also have not said where she was headed, whether she was wearing protective gear, or how fast the SUV was traveling. Those unanswered questions leave the sequence of events under active investigation.
DUI charge adds to the criminal case
Santiago is facing several charges, with driving under the influence among them. Police have not listed the full set of counts in the information released so far.
DUI cases tied to fatal crashes can carry serious consequences under Pennsylvania law, especially when investigators believe a driver tried to flee after impact. In this case, police say both the crash itself and the attempt to leave are part of the case against Santiago.
E scooter deaths raise safety concerns for riders and drivers
The fatal crash adds to growing concern about safety for people using e-scooters and other small personal mobility devices on city streets. Riders are often exposed and difficult for motorists to see, especially at night.
Friday’s collision happened late in the evening, when visibility can be lower and traffic conditions can change quickly. Police have not said whether lighting, road conditions, or impairment contributed beyond the DUI allegation.
What police have said so far about the investigation
For now, investigators have released only a limited account of the crash. They have confirmed the time, location, the victim’s age, the driver’s age, and the fact that Santiago was taken into custody after the incident.
Officials have not said when court proceedings are expected or whether additional details from the investigation will be made public soon. The case remains focused on the deadly rear-end collision, the attempted getaway, and the DUI charges now filed against Santiago.
