Family has questions about how off-duty officer killed teenager

Family says 17-year-old Jonathen Santellana shot in back, died at hospital

HOUSTON – The family of a teenager killed by an off-duty police officer has questions about how it all happened.

Jonathen Santellana, 17, died Wednesday night after police say he tried to run down an off-duty Navasota officer at an apartment complex in northwest Harris County.

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The officer says the teen was acting suspicious, possibly involved in drug activity. He says he tried talking to Santellana, but police say the teen took off, pinning the officer between two cars and that the officer was forced to shoot.

Santellana's step-father told Local 2 he isn't so sure though.

"Jonathen was raised in this home. He's a good boy, good kid and this is a tragedy," his step-father said.

The officer has been placed on administrative leave during the investigation, which is standard procedure.