Hernando deputies searching for home invasion suspects

Authorities are searching for four suspects connected to an armed home invasion Saturday night.

Sometime after 11 p.m., three men were at 6387 Piedmont Ave. and 6347 Pinehurst Ave. when one of the homeowners came outside to investigate, according to the Hernando County Sheriff's Office.

The woman was forced to the ground at gunpoint and beaten and a second victim turned one of his dogs loose, deputies said.

The suspects shot the dog and several rounds were fired at the scene, according to a media release.

The suspects ran to a vehicle, where the fourth suspect was waiting and they drove away, deputies said.

Authorities have photos of a small, dark SUV, which might have been the getaway vehicle.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-866-990-TIPS or visit the Crime Stoppers Web site at www.hernandosheriff.org/Tips/ and send an e-mail.