Man accused of setting Coconut Grove home on fire with dog inside

David Reymon Santiago. (MDCR)

MIAMI — A Coconut Grove woman watched in horror on a live security feed as smoke began pouring into her home after a man she knew set it on fire, authorities said.

David Reymon Santiago, 35, is accused of intentionally setting the fire Tuesday afternoon at a home near the 3800 block of Day Avenue, according to the Miami Police Department.

Investigators said the victim was on the phone with Santiago around 1:40 p.m. while he was at her home.

During the call, police said Santiago became upset and the victim told him to leave. Through her CCTV system, she watched him exit through the back door — then return with a red gas canister.

Shortly after, police said thick gray smoke could be seen coming from the back of the house, and she called 911.

They said Miami Fire Rescue crews responded just before 2 p.m. and extinguished the flames.

Detectives reported seeing “dark patterns” on the floor, heavy smoke damage on walls and furniture and a melted living room center table. They said a gas canister was also found on the bathroom floor.

Arson investigators with MFR and the Florida Department of Financial Services determined the fire was intentional, according to Santiago’s arrest report.

The victim told police she has known Santiago for about seven months but stated that he does not live at the home.

Police said the victim also told them her dog was inside during the fire and that Santiago left the animal behind. Detectives wrote that Santiago “created a risk of death for the victim’s dog” and knew the dog was home at the time.

Officers located Santiago later that night and took him to MPD’s Investigations Division to be interviewed.

Police said he waived his Miranda rights and placed himself at the scene around the time of the fire. When shown surveillance footage, he claimed the person seen in the video was his “doppelganger,” according to the report.

Jail records show Santiago faces one count each of second-degree arson, burglary of an occupied dwelling and animal cruelty with intent to kill or injure.

As of Wednesday, he was being held without bond at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. He was also ordered to stay away from the victim.

A motive remains unclear at this time. Local 10 has also reached out to MPD for an update on the dog’s condition.

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About The Author
Ryan Mackey

Ryan Mackey

Ryan Mackey is a Digital Journalist at WPLG. He was born on Long Island, New York, and has lived in Sunrise, Florida since 1994.