$34,000 worth of Louis Vuitton handbags stolen in Galleria burglary; 4 arrested after Kentucky police chase

$34,000 worth of Louis Vuitton handbags stolen in Galleria burglary; 4 arrested after Kentucky police chase

Four Illinois men are accused of breaking into the Riverchase Galleria and stealing more than $34,000 in high-end handbags.

Hoover police responded at 2:24 a.m. Wednesday responded to an alarm call at Belk inside the Hoover department store.

Officers found forced entry and determined a large amount of merchandise had been stolen by a group of suspects who had used tools to aid them in breaking into the business, said Lt. Daniel Lowe.

The suspects stole high-end Louis Vuitton purses and handbags with an estimated value of more than $34,000.

Lowe said a suspect vehicle was quickly developed and was broadcast to law enforcement agencies in surrounding areas and states.

Troopers with Kentucky State Police spotted the suspect vehicle traveling north on Interstate-65 in the Bowling Green area and engaged in a pursuit. Four men were taken into custody and evidence from the Galleria burglary was recovered, Lowe said.

The suspects do not have any known ties to Alabama and are believed to have traveled to Hoover specifically to commit the crime.

Birmingham police confirm there was also a break-in attempt at Saks Fifth Avenue at the Summit, where a window was shattered also early Wednesday morning. Saks has metal gates inside the windows. No entry was made.

Hoover detectives are currently in Kentucky, working with investigators there as the probe continues.

Those charged with third-degree burglary and first-degree theft of property are Patrick Allen Dudley, 23, Monroe Corey Shivers, 30, Alexis Kammy Trader, 31, and Fontain L. Plummer, 36. Their bonds are set at $45,000 each.

All four are currently being held in the Warren County Jail in Kentucky where they are each facing Kentucky charges of engaging in organized crime, receiving stolen property and possession of burglary tools.

Plummer also faces additional charges of speeding, fleeing or evading police, wanton endangerment, and no operator’s license.

The arrangements for extradition to Alabama are currently pending.