A gun-toting man struck four homes in less than an hour Friday in a burglary-attempt spree that brought him face-to-face with an armed homeowner, deputies say.
No one was hurt in the incident that ended with multiple arrests and a foot-chase through a northwest side neighborhood.
The Pima County Sheriff received first word of trouble around 10:30 am. from a woman who said her home surveillance system had captured a break-in in progress, said Pima County Sheriff's Department spokesman Deputy Cody Gress.
While deputies headed to the house, a second homeowner called to report an attempted break-in at his place.
Soon after, the gunman hit a third house where he was greeted by an armed homeowner who convinced him to put down his weapon.Β
But the burglar got away before deputies showed up, leading them on a foot chase to a fourth house where the man was inside "physically restraining a female homeowner,' Gress said
Vicente Ferreira, 37, is facing multiple charges including kidnapping, first degree burglary, second degree burglary and possession of a dangerous drug.
Two women accused of assisting Ferreira also face charges. Jennifer Bernal, 36, and Natalie Cortez, 26, each were arrested on suspicion of first degree burglary.
Gress said it was fortunate Β no one was seriously harmed.Β
"When you have deputies chasing a guy with a gun, it could have ended badly," he said.
