Burglar hits Seafood Lady hours after WAVE 3 News story airs

LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) - Hours after WAVE 3 News aired a story profiling Nichelle Thurston and the success of her restaurant, a burglar broke into the "Seafood Lady" stealing seafood and rattling nerves.

MetroSafe confirms LMPD officers were responding to a break-in at the Seafood Lady located at South Sixth and West Oak Streets. Surveillance video shows a man wearing a distinct striped hat break into the restaurant shortly before 3 a.m. Thursday, approximately three hours after our original story aired on a late edition of WAVE 3 News.

+ VIDEO: Seafood Lady captures American Dream in Louisville

The man is seen throwing a rock through a glass window before making his way inside. The thief spent about 40 minutes going in and out of the store.

Thurston estimated the man got away with about five to six cases of lobster, valued at about $1,000, as well as a TV.

The burglar also didn't leave before helping himself to an ice-cold jug of juice in the fridge.

WATCH: Julian Glover's report

The owners of the building are replacing the broken windows, and Thurston said she plans to reopen Friday as scheduled.

If you recognize the man seen in the surveillance video, you are asked to call the LMPD tip line at 502-574-LMPD (5673).

Copyright 2016 WAVE 3 News. All rights reserved.