FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Fort Lauderdale police are investigating a break-in that occurred early Sunday morning at a smoke shop.

According to police, the “in progress” burglary was reported at about 4:30 a.m. at 954 Vapes in the 6200 block of North Federal Highway.

Police said the owner was inside the business when the front window of his store was smashed.

The owner, Marc Montalvo, and another person inside were able to scare off the burglars, who fled the scene in a gray vehicle, officers said.

Montalvo said he was grateful they happened to be there at that time because of how much the suspects may have gotten away with.

“They brought a really big bin, so I would say at least these three walls could have been gone, which would have been a huge setback,” he said.

Police did not immediately confirm how many people were involved in the break-in or whether anything was stolen.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Fort Lauderdale Police Department or Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477.

Police: Smoke shop owner scares off burglars in Fort Lauderdale

Amanda Batchelor