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Off-duty deputy chases off burglars from family home as one fires gun in Riverview

One of the suspects fired a gun but missed, investigators say.

An off-duty Mississippi deputy, who was visiting his family's home in Riverview, chased off two burglars Monday night.

Just after 7 p.m. Monday, investigators say Jovanni Lozano, 18, and Kevin Noriega Cruz, 18, used a landscaping rock to shatter a back bedroom window of the home, which is located on Whispering Hammock Drive.

While they were entering the bedroom, off-duty deputy James Murray, 48, arrived at the home, which belongs to his father-in-law. Murray works for the Lamar County Sheriff's Office near Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

The suspects ran away, but Murray chased them. During the chase, investigators say Lozano used a handgun to fire a single shot at him -- 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," Murray said.

Credit: Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
Jovanni Lozano and Kevin Noriega Cruz are accused of using landscaping rock to shatter a bedroom window around 7:07 p.m. Monday, July 24, 2018, at a home in Riverview.

Hillsborough County Sheriff's deputies converged and used aviation and K-9 units to find the suspects. The aviation unit spotted the suspects running into the office of a closed business to hide. A K-9 was sent inside and found Lozano and Noriega Cruz, who were arrested.

Both are charged with aggravated assault, armed burglary and burglary of a structure. Noriega Cruz faces an additional charge of cocaine possession.

Investigators say Lozano and Noriega Cruz are also suspects in other local property crimes.

"As a deputy myself with 21 years experience, this was impressive," Murray said of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office's work to catch the two. "The response was quick. I was very impressed with the amount of resources used on this."

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