Minnesota arrests possibly linked to Oak Brook Louis Vuitton burglary

OAK BROOK, Ill. (WLS) -- Eight men from Illinois have been arrested and charged in Minnesota, and now, Oak Brook police say some of them may have burglarized a Louis Vuitton store in the western suburb.

Minnesota authorities were in hot pursuit Wednesday as they chased the suspects wanted for stealing Louis Vuitton merchandise. The chase lasted about 25 miles before police spun the van and arrest the men, one by one, with guns drawn.

"We do believe from our initial investigation this is part of a much larger theft ring and possibly even nationwide," said Lt. Brian Tholen, Edina Police Dept.

Minnesota authorities arrested eight men from Illinois. They are now charged for stealing $20,000 worth of merchandise in Edina, Minnesota, south of Minneapolis.

PHOTOS: Oak Brook Louis Vuitton crash-and-grab burglary

Oak Brook police confirm that some of the men arrested may be linked to a smash-and-grab burglary last September. Nine masked men used a van to bust through the Louis Vuitton store at Oakbrook Center. They swiped 50 pieces of merchandise worth $120,000.

The Oak Brook crash-and-grab happened at 4 a.m., while the Minnesota burglary took place in broad daylight at 10 a.m.

"They all came in at once and overwhelmed the store clerk, and she did the right thing, who separated herself, what we believe, what she told us and called 911 immediately," Lt. Tholen said.

A man in the parking lot suspected something was wrong and also called 911. Police said he followed the van, giving authorities a chance to bust the suspects.

The men are charged with felony theft and will be in a Minnesota courtroom next week. Oak Brook police said they knew there was a link because they recognized some of the suspects' names.