BOCA RATON, FL — A 40‑year‑old Boca Raton resident, Santiago Cairo, was arrested after allegedly confronting a group of teens with a handgun following a prank known as “ding‑dong ditch” on October 16 around 8 p.m., according to investigators with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.
As reported by West Palm Beach TV, Cairo reported that he observed several individuals at his front door, believed someone may have been attempting to break into his home, and called 911. He then armed himself and went outside, where he confronted a 14‑year‑old juvenile.
According to the juvenile, he and friends had been playing the door‑knocking prank (ringing the doorbell and running away) when Cairo emerged with a flashlight and a gun. The teen said Cairo shouted “You messed with the wrong guy,” ordered him to get on his knees, placed his phone on the ground, and at one point grabbed the teen’s shoulder and attempted to push him down.
Cairo’s version differs. He told investigators he never pointed the firearm directly at anyone, rather he held it in a “low ready” position while awaiting police.
Investigators determined that no burglary or forced entry took place. Cairo later acknowledged he “went too far.”
Cairo was charged with aggravated assault with a firearm (a deadly weapon) and subsequently released on a $10,000 bond.
This case highlights the serious legal consequences that can result from using a firearm in a situation that is not clearly violent or threatening. Although homeowners have the right to defend themselves against imminent threats of death or grievous bodily harm, engaging with a firearm in a scenario where no forced intrusion or immediate lethal threat exists may exceed the bounds of lawful self‑defense. Homeowners and firearm owners must assess threat levels carefully and consider whether their response is proportional to the situation. The right to keep and bear arms includes the responsibility to use firearms in self‑defense only in circumstances that clearly justify that level of force. Incidents like this may complicate legal protections for law‑abiding gun owners.