13-Year-Old Arrested In Gun Store Burglary

HOOVER, AL - The Hoover Police Department has arrested a 13-year-old boy who allegedly broke into Hoover Tactical Firearms and stole multiple handguns Monday night. The arrest was made early Tuesday morning.

According to a report by the Hoover PD, officers responded to a burglary alarm activation at the gun store at 1561 Montgomery Highway at approximately 10:10 p.m. Officers arrived on the scene and discovered a front window shattered, along with damage to a display case inside the store. The suspect had already fled the area prior to officer’s arrival. Police said evidence at the scene indicated the suspect used a large rock and a wooden pallet to gain entry.

Vestavia Hills Police Department patrol officer located a suspicious black male hiding among the cars at Hollywood Imports at 1472 Montgomery Highway approximately three hours later. This individual matched the description of the burglar and the suspect had a handgun in his possession. He was taken into custody and turned over to Hoover officers. (For more updates on this story and free news alerts for your neighborhood, sign up for your local Patch morning newsletter.)

Police say the teen then led officers to the four other stolen handguns that he had hidden behind two nearby businesses. After being interviewed by detectives, he was transported to Jefferson County Family Court.

The suspect has been charged with Burglary 3rd degree and Theft of Property 1st degree.

Photo by Renee Schiavone/Patch