A Minneapolis man pulled a gun on a man walking home from work, ripped a gold necklace from his neck and tried to hit him with the firearm before fleeing with a second man, prosecutors say.

Daniel Perez Santiago, 19, faces a charge of first-degree aggravated robbery, according to a complaint filed August 14 in Hennepin County District Court.

According to the complaint, the victim was walking home from work at about 8:15 p.m. on August 9 near West 32nd Street and Grand Avenue in Minneapolis when he heard a vehicle approach from behind. The victim recognized the vehicle and its two occupants, including Perez Santiago, who was driving.

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Perez Santiago allegedly stopped the vehicle, blocking the northbound lane, then reached for a firearm and pointed it at the victim. He got out, approached the victim and, after the second man told him to take the victim’s gold necklace, forcefully pulled it from the victim’s neck, breaking it in the process.

The complaint states Perez Santiago then tried to hit the victim with the firearm but missed, striking his own knuckle against the victim’s ear. Perez Santiago and the second man returned to their vehicle and left the area. The victim walked home, but Perez Santiago drove past the victim’s house, prompting the victim to hide until the vehicle left.

Surveillance footage corroborated the victim’s account, according to court documents. Officers located Perez Santiago on August 13 and apprehended him during a traffic stop.

About This Charge

Minnesota distinguishes simple robbery (§ 609.24, up to 10 years) from aggravated robbery (§ 609.245), where a dangerous weapon or bodily harm is alleged. First-degree aggravated robbery carries up to 20 years; second-degree up to 15. Carjacking is charged under § 609.247.

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Minneapolis Man Accused of Armed Robbery at Golden Valley Shoe Sale • Minneapolis Man Charged in Gunpoint Robbery, Police Chase • Minneapolis Man Charged in Gunpoint Robbery and Shooting

Jurisdictional Context

Hennepin County is Minnesota’s most populous jurisdiction. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office handles felony prosecutions across Minneapolis and 45 surrounding cities; the Fourth Judicial District presides over felony arraignments and trials at the Hennepin County Government Center in downtown Minneapolis.