Police lieutenant arrested on accusations of battery while driving unmarked police car

SANFORD, Fla. — A Sanford police lieutenant was in an unmarked police car when he was arrested for battery, authorities said.

Deputies said Lt. Joseph Santiago, a 17-year veteran of the department, head-butted and punched his girlfriend early Saturday after he was allegedly out drinking.  

One sergeant investigating Santiago used to work at the Sanford Police Department with him.  
 
Santiago was arrested along Interstate 4 after his accuser called from a locked bathroom. She said Santiago banged on the door and drove off before he was arrested.

He posted his $500 bail over the weekend.
 
In the 911 calls, the operator asked if the man the caller accused of hitting her worked for the Sanford police. When she said he's a lieutenant, the operated asked if it was Santiago. She said, "Yes, he punched me in the (expletive) nose."

The arrest report shows Santiago and his girlfriend were drinking in Daytona Beach before the accuser said something that prompted Santiago to head-butt her.
 
The accuser said she hit Santiago back.

Police said Santiago smelled like alcohol when he was arrested, but was never asked to perform a field sobriety test because officers said he didn't appear drunk.
 
Officials said field sobriety tests are at the discretion of the deputy.
 
Santiago is on paid-administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

Cox Media Group