Two arrested in connection with suspected targeting of agricultural fuel pumps in DeSoto County

DESOTO COUNTY, Fla. —

Two people were arrested Monday night after deputies said one of them was reportedly targeting agricultural fuel pumps in DeSoto County.

According to the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office, Eric Jason Lozano, 43, of Zolfo Springs, was the suspect identified and arrested. Rachael Marie Jumper, 28, of Bradenton, was inside the vehicle and also arrested.

For the past month, deputies said suspicious tire and shoe tracks were found near a fuel pump in a grove. The grove owner reported it to the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office Agricultural Unit, and they suspected someone was trespassing or stealing fuel.

Deputies said they were able to catch a man with a beard and tattoos accused of stealing diesel fuel on camera, and a silver/gold Chevy Silverado was reportedly seen being driven by the suspect, later identified as Lozano.

The grove owner reported the suspect had returned to the diesel pump Monday night. When deputies responded, the suspect had already left.

Deputies said they worked with an Arcadia Police Officer and located the suspected vehicle near Northeast Roan Street and Northeast Sugar Babe Road. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver reportedly matched the suspect caught on camera.

The sheriff's office said Lozano is an eight-time convicted felon with a history of theft and drugs. Deputies arrested him after he was accused of stealing over $500 worth of diesel fuel and causing about $100 in damage to the fuel hose used.

When searching the vehicle, deputies said they found a firearm, which Lozano is prohibited from possessing due to his felony status. They also said they found methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Lozano is facing charges of trafficking in methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, attempted armed burglary, attempted farm theft, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal mischief and felony petit theft with prior theft convictions.

Jumper is facing charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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