Early Thursday morning, a burglary at a high-end sneaker store in west Phoenix turned into a crime scene when a stolen vehicle was used to break into the storefront. Fox 10 Phoenix reported that the incident occurred at Restock Ave near 99th Avenue and Camelback Road around 3:15 a.m. Surveillance footage captured the moment when the car crashed through the entrance, allowing the burglars to access the store's inventory of pricey merchandise.
According to police statements and store owner Chris Sotelo, the suspects swiftly carried out the burglary, evidently familiar with the store's layout and high-value items. "They kind of knew what to go after. He went straight for the expensive items," Sotelo told Fox 10 Phoenix. The thieves, who were in and out within minutes, left behind the stolen car but took with them goods, including designer streetwear and high-end sneakers.
The timing of the break-in has disrupted critical business plans for Sotelo, who has owned Restock Ave for over a decade. His back-to-school special, offering free haircuts with sneaker purchases in collaboration with a neighboring barbershop, is now postponed. As Sotelo relayed to Fox 10 Phoenix, the incident's impact on his business is substantial, setting back operations by at least a month.
This burglary is part of a string of similar incidents in the Phoenix area. 12News covered a smash-and-grab at Maya's Jewelry just 10 days prior, which also concluded with significant damage and stolen goods. "They made more damage than they think they stole," the jewelry store owner lamented in an interview with 12News. There's currently no suggestion that the two burglaries are connected, but police continue to investigate both cases.
Police have yet to release further details about the suspects or a comprehensive list of the stolen items. As the investigation unfolds, the community's anticipation for answers grows, hoping for a resolution that will allow businesses like Restock Ave to reestablish their footing and continue serving the local clientele. Detectives remain on the scene, piecing together evidence in the wake of the brazen burglary.
