Death by Cop 2021-2025
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Jacob Nathaniel Grebbien
Age : 40
Gender : Male
Race : White
Date : 08/07/2024
Location : 700 block of Penn Street
City : Johnsonburg
County : Elk
State : Pennsylvania
Agency : Johnsonburg Police Department; Pennsylvania State Police; Pennsylvania State Police SERT
Officer(s) :Not Disclosed
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Killed by SERT militarized standoff during mental health crisis
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On 08/08/2024, Pennsylvania State Police fatally shot 40-year-old Jacob Nathaniel Grebbien following an approximately 15-hour standoff at his residence in the 700 block of Penn Street in Johnsonburg.
The incident began during the afternoon of 08/06/2024 after Johnsonburg Police Department received reports of gunfire near Grebbien's residence. Officers responded and attempted to contact him through a family member after learning he was hearing impaired. Police temporarily cleared the scene after the family member reported Grebbien was safe.
Later that evening, police returned after an alarm company requested a welfare check and Grebbien sent messages stating he wanted "suicide by cop." Pennsylvania State Police responded and, with assistance from family members, attempted to persuade him to leave the residence. A mental health warrant and an arrest warrant were obtained after Grebbien continued sending suicidal text messages while stating he possessed a firearm.
Pennsylvania State Police activated the Special Emergency Response Team (SERT). Troopers deployed a drone inside the residence, where they observed the front entrance barricaded with furniture. The drone also showed Grebbien on the second floor holding what appeared to be a rifle while standing near a gasoline can before he disabled the drone.
Shortly before 8:00 a.m. on 08/08/2024, SERT members prepared to introduce chemical agents and repeatedly ordered Grebbien to surrender. Investigators said Grebbien texted that he was pouring additional gasoline inside the residence and intended to cause an explosion. Grebbien then exited the residence carrying a firearm, briefly returned inside, and emerged again with the firearm while advancing toward state troopers. Troopers fired, striking Grebbien. He died at the scene.
The Elk County District Attorney conducted a review and concluded that the use of deadly force by Pennsylvania State Police was legally justified under Pennsylvania law.
