Visiting Deputy Helps Hillsborough Sheriff Nab 2 Accused Burglars

RIVERVIEW, FL -- An off-duty deputy visiting from Mississippi chased off two accused burglars from his family's Riverview home on Monday night, July 23, and then helped the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office arrest catch the two men.

Jovanni Christian Lozano, 18, of 7603 Dragon Fly Loop, Gibsonton, and Kevin Antonio Noriega Cruz of 1101 Blufield Ave., Brandon, reportedly used a landscaping rock to shatter the bedroom window of a home at 10538 Whispering Hammock Drive in Riverview just after 7 p.m. and in the process of entering the home when the homeowner’s son-in-law, James Murray, 48, arrived home.

Murray works with the Lamar County Sheriff's Office, outside of Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

When they heard Murray come in, Lozano and Noriega Cruz ran from the home and Murray chased after them. Lozano fired one shot from a handgun at Murray but missed.

"When the guy pulled a weapon on me, I knew I'd have to just keep eyes on him and get as much information to the dispatcher as possible,” said Murray.

Deputies, with the assistance of the aviation unit and K9 Specter, used Murray’s information to track the two would-be burglars to an office at the Riverview Flower Farm, 10320 Tucker Jones Road, which was closed for the day.

Lozano and Noriega Cruz were arrested without incident and charged with aggravated assault, armed burglary and burglary of a structure.

Noriega Cruz is also facing a charge for possession of cocaine.

The two men are also suspects in other property crimes in the area that the Sheriff's Office is investigating.

Murray gave high marks to the sheriff's office for its response to his call.

"As a deputy myself with 21 years’ experience, this was impressive,” he said. “The response was quick. I was very impressed with the amount of resources used on this."

Images via Hillsborough Sheriff

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