Sanford Lieutenant arrested after allegedly headbutting, punching woman

SANFORD, Fla. - An off-duty Sanford police officer was arrested Saturday morning after allegedly head-butting and punching a woman.

Lieutenant Joseph Santiago was arrested shortly after 5:45 a.m. near I-4 and H.E. Thomas Jr. Parkway in Sanford.

According to the arrest report FOX 35 obtained, Santiago had been drinking with the woman at a bar in Daytona Beach. The alleged victim said she was head butted after he did not like what she said.

The victim also said she was later punched in the face when they arrived back in Sanford.

The report states that Santiago invoked his right to not speak or answer questions without a lawyer present.

The woman was transported to Central Florida Hospital because of the injuries she obtained as a result of this incident.

Lieutenant Santiago has been relieved of duty pending the outcome of the Criminal and Administrative/Professional Standards Investigation.

Santiago had an appearance before a judge Sunday morning, where he was granted a bond and is expected to be released.