Shortly after 3 a.m., a Pinellas Sheriff’s deputy stopped Sgt. Lesandro Santiago, an off-duty St. Petersburg police officer in his personal car, on 4th Street South near 11th Avenue South. According to the arrest affidavit, he was stopped for swerving and failing to maintain his vehicle in a lane. He was charged with DUI.

Sgt. Santiago was removed from his patrol duties and placed on Administrative duty until his criminal charge is resolved in court. Then, he will be investigated by the Office of Professional Standards (internal affairs) and will face professional consequences.

Sgt. Santiago was sworn as a St. Petersburg Police officer on March 31, 2003. He is 44 years old.