Four Illinois men were arrested Wednesday in connection to a burglary at a store inside the Riverchase Galleria mall in Hoover.
The Hoover Police Department said just before 2:30 a.m., officers responded to an alarm call at the Belk store. Police said responding officers found forced entry to the building and determined a large amount of merchandise had been stolen by a group of suspects who used tools to help them break into the business.
Police said the suspects stole high-end purses and handbags with an estimated value of over $34,000.
A suspect vehicle was quickly developed and was broadcasted to law enforcement agencies in surrounding areas and states.
Police said troopers with the Kentucky State Police saw the suspect vehicle traveling north on I-65 in the area of Bowling Green and engaged in a pursuit, ultimately capturing four suspects and recovering evidence from the Riverchase Galleria case.
Those arrested were 23-year-old Patrick Allen Dudley, 30-year-old Monroe Corey Shivers, 31-year-old Alexis Kammy Trade, and 36-year-old Fontain L. Plummer. Each were charged with third-degree burglary and first-degree theft of property. Each were issued a total bond of $45,000.
Police said the suspects do not have any known ties to Alabama and are believed to have traveled to Hoover specifically to commit this crime.
Detectives with the Crimes Against Property Unit traveled to Kentucky to secure evidence and collaborate with Kentucky law enforcement as the investigation continues.
Police said the suspects were being held in the Warren County Jail in Kentucky where they are each facing Kentucky charges of Engaging in Organized Crime, Receiving Stolen Property ($10,000 or more) and Possession of Burglary Tools.
Plummer also faces additional charges of Speeding 26 MPH or <>> Speed Limit, Fleeing or Evading Police 1st Degree (Motor Vehicle), Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree and No Operators License.
The arrangements for extradition to Alabama are currently pending.