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PHOENIX - Police are investigating a burglary after they say someone driving a stolen car crashed into a west Phoenix shoe store early Thursday morning.
What we know:
The incident happened at around 3:15 a.m. on July 24 at Restock Ave, located near 99th Avenue and Camelback Road.
According to the Phoenix Police Department, officers responded to the scene after an alarm went off at the store, and when the officers arrived, they found a car had crashed into the building.
"Items were taken from the business by the suspect(s) who all left prior to police arrival," Sgt. Rob Scherer said. "The vehicle used to hit the business was reported stolen prior to the burglary."
Police say a stolen car crashed into Restock Ave near 99th Avenue and Camelback Road on July 24. The suspects fled the scene before officers arrived. (KSAZ-TV)
What they're saying:
The owner of the high-end sneaker store is left with shattered glass and twisted metal gates after burglars rammed the stolen car into his shop early Thursday morning.
Chris Sotelo, owner of Restock Ave, was notified by his alarm system around 3:14 a.m. and watched on his security cameras as a car crashed through his storefront.
"I look at the camera and then I see a car inside," Sotelo said.
He watched in real-time as his collection of high-end sneakers, designer streetwear, and art were stolen.
"By the time I got here, they were already gone," Sotelo said.
Sotelo believes the suspects had been to the store before because "they kind of knew what to go after. He went straight for the expensive items."
One rack alone held an estimated $30,000 worth of merchandise.
Sotelo started his business in high school, hand-delivering shoes, and grew it into a successful storefront over 10 years. The owner expressed his heartbreak, stating, "We work so hard, you know, for this and then for someone to come and destroy it. I mean, it sucks, you know, it's heartbreaking."
The burglars were in and out within minutes.
The incident significantly set back Sotelo's plans, including a back-to-school special with the neighboring barbershop that would have offered free haircuts with sneaker purchases. The owner estimates the setback will delay their operation by at least a month.
What we don't know:
Police didn't provide any further details on the suspects or what items were stolen.
What's next:
Detectives are investigating the burglary.
Map of where the incident happened