Photo by Ted Fitzgerald
Juan Santiago Jr. chats with Capt. Frank Armstrong of Area E18 Hyde Park before a ceremony in Santiago’s honor to laud him for selflessly helping a teen robbery victim.

It was just another iPod snatch-and-run until Juan Santiago Jr. played hometown hero to a Hyde Park teen rattled by a gun thrust into his face.
Santiago, stopped at a red light March 7 with his family in the car, watched as a teenage boy was robbed at gunpoint.
The boy had just stepped off an MBTA bus around 6 p.m. when he was ambushed.
As the assailant took off running up Hyde Park Avenue, Santiago pulled up to the curb and told the victim to climb inside to keep safe. With his wife and young daughter also in the car, Santiago called 911 while shadowing the gunman through Hyde Park.
For his heroism, Santiago was honored by the city yesterday.
Police Commissioner Edward Davis described Santiago as “courageous” yesterday for helping the teen.
Eventually, with Santiago’s help and the boy’s description of his attacker, the police were able to capture the iPod bandit.
Yesterday, Mayor Thomas M. Menino and police officers from District E-18 (Hyde Park) gathered at City Hall to honor Santiago’s selflessness.
“Mr. Santiago’s bravery and commendable leadership exemplify how a simple act can serve our city, and today we are proud to honor him,” Menino said.
“His heroism clearly demonstrates that Bostonians are willing to get involved when they witness a crime,” Davis added. “For that, Mr. Santiago deserves to be applauded.”

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