State police said footprints in the snow helped in the arrest of a pair of teenage brothers — one from Butler County — suspected of breaking into a number of vehicles in southeastern Mercer County. A 9 mm pistol reportedly was taken in one of the thefts.

In all, property valued at more than $5,200 was allegedly stolen from seven vehicles.

Troopers arrested Gregory W. McFadden, 19, of Slippery Rock Township and Dustin J. McFadden, 18, of Pine Township, Mercer County, Tuesday on 24 charges, including three felonies. Both teens are in the Mercer County Prison in lieu of $15,000 bond each.

Investigators suspect the series of vehicle break-ins occurred between Feb. 5 and 15 at homes within close proximity in Wolf Creek and Pine townships.

This is an excerpt from a larger article that will appear in Thursday's Butler Eagle. Subscribe online or in print to read the full article.