In a significant development out of California, law enforcement officials revealed on Tuesday the arrest of two suspects following a dramatic incident captured on video. The footage allegedly shows the individuals attempting to steal nearly $100,000 worth of luxury handbags from a high-end retail outlet.

The Irvine Police Department (IPD) shared the video, highlighting the swift action of their heavily armed officers who intercepted the brazen theft. The suspects, clad in black hoodies and face coverings, were caught on camera as they tried to make their escape, arms laden with designer goods.

According to authorities, the police were dispatched in the early hours of the morning after receiving a burglary alert from the store’s security personnel. The alert came in as security staff noticed suspicious activity and promptly informed the officers of the unfolding situation.

“Early this morning, Irvine Police Department responded to a burglary of a luxury handbag store located near Jamboree and Dupont,” the department reported. “Building security had notified officers after observing two individuals on surveillance footage entering the premises.”

The surveillance video clearly depicts the suspects inside the upscale handbag shop just moments before the police made their timely arrival, effectively preventing the theft.

IPD identified the two suspects as Richard Bernard Spencer, 40, of Los Angeles, and Marcellus Ronell Shelby, 30, of Hollywood.

In the footage, two suspects were seen scaling a tall wall before entering the building. They then appeared to enter a luxury store that carried popular brands such as Celine and Givenchy.

Surveillance footage shows two suspects carrying luxury handbags inside an Irvine retail building during an alleged burglary. (Irvine Police Department)

The individuals were then spotted by security cameras attempting to leave through an emergency exit door while carrying numerous bags, before suddenly pivoting toward a flight of stairs and running up to the floor above.

Numerous officers, heavily armed with what appeared to be assault rifles, then found the two suspects hiding near office spaces, according to the video. They were accompanied by K9 units and partners from the Costa Mesa Police Department, which provided drone support, according to the IPD.  

Irvine police officers, assisted by a K9 unit, search office spaces after responding to a burglary report. (Irvine Police Department)

The suspects were then caught on camera getting handcuffed and escorted to a police cruiser, body camera footage shows. Officers noted that the suspects resisted arrest when apprehended.

About $100,000 worth of handbags were recovered and returned to the victim, the police said. 

Video released by police shows suspects scaling an exterior wall before entering the building. (Irvine Police Department)

The two suspects were arrested and booked in Orange County Jail on charges of burglary, grand theft, conspiracy, vandalism and resisting arrest.