A 40-year-old Florida homeowner, identified as Santiago Cairo, was taken into custody after allegedly pointing a firearm at a 14-year-old who was ringing his doorbell as part of a ding-dong-ditch prank. The incident happened around 8 p.m. on October 16 at Cairo’s residence in Boca Raton.
According to investigators, Cairo believed the group at his front door was attempting to break into his home. He called 911 and retrieved a handgun before confronting the teen outside. While Cairo claims he held his weapon in a “low-ready” position while waiting for officers, the teenager says Cairo aggressively ordered him to kneel and asserted “You messed with the wrong guy.”
Palm Beach County deputies say Cairo will face charges of aggravated assault with a firearm. He was released on bond. The case has renewed community debate over homeowner responses to pranks and the boundaries of self-defense.