A Coconut Grove homeowner watched smoke pour into a house on a live security feed while the resident’s dog was reportedly still inside, and Miami police say a 35-year-old man is now under arrest in connection with the blaze.
The fire broke out Tuesday afternoon near the 3800 block of Day Avenue and was quickly attacked by Miami Fire Rescue crews, who knocked it down before it could spread further. Investigators later concluded the blaze had been intentionally set, and officers located a suspect later that night and brought him in for questioning, according to police.
According to Local 10, the victim was on the phone with David Reymon Santiago around 1:40 p.m. and watched him leave through a back door, then return carrying a red gas canister. Detectives said thick gray smoke began pouring from the rear of the home, and firefighters extinguished the flames just before 2 p.m.
Investigators reported “dark patterns” on the floor, heavy smoke damage throughout the residence, and a melted living-room table. A gas canister was recovered from a bathroom floor, and arson teams with Miami Fire Rescue and the Florida Department of Financial Services determined the fire had been set on purpose.
Charges and legal context
Jail records show Santiago, 35, faces one count each of second-degree arson, burglary of an occupied dwelling and animal cruelty with intent to kill or injure. He was being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center with bond listed as “to be set,” Local 10 reported.
Under Florida law, arson is codified in Chapter 806, according to the Florida Senate, and arson in the second degree is a felony that carries significant penalties. Cruelty to animals is addressed in Chapter 828 of state law, and aggravated cruelty, including intentionally causing a pet’s death, can be charged as a felony with fines, mandatory counseling and other penalties upon conviction, per the Florida Senate.
Investigation and next steps
Miami police say their investigations division is actively reviewing surveillance footage and witness statements as detectives work to pin down a motive. Local 10 reported that Santiago waived his Miranda rights during an interview and at one point told officers the person in the surveillance video looked like his “doppelganger,” according to the arrest report.
Authorities did not immediately provide an update on the dog’s condition. Miami police have asked anyone with potentially relevant video to contact investigators. This report will be updated as additional official information and public records become available.
