Four men went to sporting goods stores and gun shops in Butler County expecting to leave with firearms, but each man instead ended up charged with a felony.

Butler Township police and state police this week charged the men in separate cases of illegally trying to buy a gun.

The suspects — Michael R. Croyle, 30, of Dayton, Armstrong County; Albert Novak, 57, of Oakland Township; Jason L. Rottman, 37, of Knox, Clarion County; and Charles L. Zimmerman, 54, of Adams Township — all failed background checks last year when they tried to buy firearms.

The Pennsylvania Instant Check System identified the men as having provided false information on their gun purchase applications, according to court documents.

All four are charged with a third-degree felony violation of the sales or transfer of firearms provision of the Pennsylvania Uniform Firearms Act, as well as a third-degree misdemeanor unsworn falsification to authorities.

Butler Township police said Novak on Dec. 22 and Croyle on Nov. 16 both tried to buy guns at Dunham’s Sports, Moraine Pointe Plaza.

On Wednesday, police arrested Novak, who is free on his own recognizance, and they obtained an arrest warrant for Croyle. He is expected to turn himself in on Monday, authorities said.

Rottman on Aug. 7 attempted to buy a rifle at Logan’s Gun Gallery in Washington Township.

According to charging documents, Zimmerman tried to buy a handgun on Nov. 1 at the Clearview Mall Rural King in Center Township.

Rottman is expected to turn himself in for arraignment as early as today, Zimmerman was arrested Wednesday, and is free on his own recognizance.