COPS: Man Claimed Burglary In Progress.
BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2025 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — A Boca Raton man is facing a felony charge of aggravated assault with a firearm after he allegedly pulled a gun on a juvenile engaged in a “ding-dong ditch” prank last Thursday night. Santiago Cairo, 40, of the 6300 block of Boca Circle, was arrested by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office following the encounter.
According to an arrest report obtained by BocaNewsNow.com, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to Cairo’s residence at approximately 8:07 p.m. for what was reported as a burglary in progress. The caller, later identified as Cairo, informed 911 dispatchers that he was armed with a firearm. Upon arrival, deputies determined that the incident stemmed from a juvenile prank and not an actual burglary or forced entry.
Investigators interviewed the juvenile victim in the presence of his mother. The teen stated he and his friends were “ding-dong ditching” in the neighborhood. When they pranked Cairo’s home, he said an unknown male exited the residence armed with a handgun equipped with a light. The juvenile reported that the man, later identified as Cairo, raised and lowered the weapon, at times pointing it toward his torso and legs. The teen told deputies he became “fearful that he was going to be shot” and complied with the man’s orders to get on his knees. The man also allegedly told the teen, “You messed with the wrong guy”.
After being read his Miranda warnings, Cairo told investigators he believed individuals were attempting to break into his home. He stated he retrieved his Glock 43X handgun and went outside while on the phone with 911 to locate the subjects. Cairo claimed he located and detained the juvenile but maintained he only kept the firearm in a “low-ready position” and did not point it directly at the teen. However, Cairo also advised police that his own home security footage showed a juvenile ringing his doorbell but did not show anyone attempting to open or damage the door. The report notes Cairo admitted he “went too far”.
The investigation determined the confrontation occurred approximately 200 feet south of his front door. Based on the juvenile’s statement and Cairo’s admissions, investigators concluded that no actual attempt to commit a burglary had occurred. Cairo was arrested and booked on one count of aggravated assault with a firearm.
