Sanford police lieutenant accused of headbutting, punching girlfriend released from jail

An off-duty Sanford police lieutenant accused of headbutting and punching his girlfriend following a night of barhopping in Daytona Beach was released from jail Sunday afternoon after posting bail.

Lt. Joe Santiago, 49, was freed from Sanford’s John E. Polk Correctional Facility at about 2 p.m.

During a court appearance Sunday morning, a judge set Santiago’s bail at $500 and ordered him to not possess or consume alcohol. The judge also ordered Santiago to wear a GPS ankle monitor and to not contact his girlfriend.

Santiago was relieved of duty and placed under administrative leave Saturday as the Police Department conducts an internal investigation into the domestic violence charge.

“We hold our officers, regardless of rank, to the highest standards of conduct and ethics, both on duty and in their personal lives,” Chief Cecil Smith said. “We will conduct a fair and thorough internal investigation into the incident, and be as transparent in that process as possible. We ask for the community's support and patience as we navigate this process”

Santiago was arrested shortly after 5:45 a.m. Saturday near Interstate 4 and H.E. Thomas Jr. Parkway, according to an arrest report.

His girlfriend told Seminole County deputies Santiago headbutted her at a bar after she said something he didn’t like, the report said.

She told investigators the two later got into an argument and Santiago punched her in the face, causing blood to “shoot” from her nose.

She was brought to Central Florida Regional Hospital for treatment.

Santiago, who smelled of alcohol, chose to not answer any questions without a lawyer present, deputies said in the report.

According to Santiago’s LinkedIn account, he has worked for the Sanford Police Department since October 1998.

The profile also said he graduated from the University of Central Florida with a master’s degree in criminal justice.

Santiago was charged with felony battery. His arraignment is scheduled for April 27.

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