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Accused Shooter's Arrest 2nd in Months

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By LISA A. DAVIS

ldavis@tampatrib.com

Published: January 30, 2009

David Santiago

NEW PORT RICHEY - A reputed member of a local gang has been arrested for the second time since December, again on aggravated battery charges.

David "Blink" Santiago, whom authorities say is a member of the Valentine Bloods, was arrested by Pasco County detectives Wednesday, accused of shooting a 31-year-old Navy officer outside an after-hours bottle club on Dec. 20.

Santiago is accused of shooting at Zevin Barnes, of Tampa, outside Club Nocturnal at 4527 U.S. 19 around 5:40 a.m. Barnes wasn't seriously injured, according to reports; the bullet passed through his pants and grazed his inner thigh.

Two bullet casings were found at the scene.

Barnes told deputies he was leaving the club when Santiago asked him about a woman he had been talking to. Then Santiago, 28, told him he was a Blood and Barnes had to leave.

Barnes was hit in the face by something and then shot, reports state. Two men ran from the parking lot and Barnes later identified Santiago as the shooter from a group of photographs provided by deputies.

Santiago, of 6422 Old Main St., is being held without bail at the Land O' Lakes Jail.

Last month, Santiago and some other men were accused of beating up a 42-year-old man in the Congress Park mobile home community. New Port Richey police said that man was beaten so badly he might have brain damage.

Santiago was released from jail two days later in that case after posting $50,000 bail.

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