An AR-15 rifle and a loaded shotgun were stolen from unlocked vehicles in Gardendale early Friday, prompting Police Chief Mike Walker to issue a stern warning about responsible gun ownership.

"If you own a firearm, DO NOT LEAVE IT IN AN UNLOCKED VEHICLE,'' Walker said in a statement posted on Facebook. "This could have ended in a tragic event if the suspects had chosen to use the stolen weapons on an innocent citizen or one of the police officers or deputy sheriffs that were involved in the pursuit.''

It all began about 2 a.m. when three vehicles were burglarized in Gardendale's Longwood subdivision. A homeowner alerted police to the crime in progress. A responding police officer saw the suspect vehicle and tried to make a traffic stop. A chase soon followed.

Lawmen from a couple of agencies pursued the vehicle until the two suspects wrecked at Daniel Payne Drive and Dugan Avenue in northwest Birmingham. The suspects fled on foot and managed to elude capture, despite assistance from a Jefferson County Sheriff's Office tracking dog.

Their vehicle was towed, and most of the stolen property was recovered. In all, Walker said, three vehicles were entered and all of them were unlocked. The stolen guns were recovered.

"We are thankful for the alert homeowner that made the initial call and for our alert night shift officers that intercepted the thieves and pursued them,'' Walker said.

Police are actively searching for the two suspects. Anyone with information on their identities or whereabouts are asked to call Det. Will Goggins at 205-631-8787.