911 calls released in domestic violence case against Sanford officer

Off-duty Sanford police lieutenant accused of punching woman

Authorities released 911 calls in the incident where a Sanford police lieutenant allegedly punched a woman in the face.

The woman says Joe Santiago beat her twice over the weekend, one where she was head-butted by Santiago and another where he punched her in the face.

"We were arguing because he head-butted me in Daytona on the beach. We got out of the car. He came out of the car charging at me, head-butted me," she told 911 dispatchers. "And I said, "really?" So I walked to the water. I sat down for a minute and he went back to the car. He fell asleep. I got back in the car. He was sleeping. I drove up to the house. And he kept waking up a few times. He tried to hold my hand. I didn't want to hold his hand. He's so drunk, he didn't realize what he did to me."

Santiago was arrested and charged with battery. He appeared before a judge on Sunday and posted his $500 bond.

The Sanford Police Department is also conducting an internal investigation to see if Santiago may have violated department rules.

Santiago's next court date is April 27.

 


Recommended Videos