A 13-year-old Birmingham boy was arrested early Tuesday after police say he broke into a Hoover gun shop.

Hoover police responded at 10:10 p.m. Monday to a burglary alarm activation at Hoover Tactical Firearms at 1561 Montgomery Highway. Capt. Gregg Rector said officers arrived on 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. Evidence at the scene indicated the suspect used a large rock and a wooden pallet to gain entry.

About three hours later, a Vestavia Hills patrol officer located a suspicious black male hiding among the cars at Hollywood Imports at 1472 Montgomery Highway. That person, Rector said, matched the description of the burglar and he also had a handgun in his possession.

He was taken into custody and turned over to Hoover officers. He 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 case was presented to the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office who issued petitions against the boy for third-degree burglary and first-degree theft of property. His name is not being released because of his age.

"We know that this was the only suspect participating in breaking the glass, entering the store, and stealing the guns. But we’re also looking into the possibility that others could have been involved in planning this crime and maybe transporting him to the crime scene,'' Rector said. "The suspect claims that he walked from his home in Birmingham to commit this burglary but I’m not sure we’re buying that. This case could have had a horribly tragic ending for a 13-year-old who’s making absolutely horrible decisions. "