FLORISSANT, Mo. – A burglary suspect’s footprints in the snow led police to a swift arrest Thursday morning in Florissant.
The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has charged Phillip Nicolay, 38, with burglary, attempted burglary and stealing in connection with the case.
The burglary happened around 10 a.m. Thursday at a home in the 1500 block of Schackleford Drive. Investigators say Nicolay’s footprints in the snow created an easy trail to follow, leading to his arrest before he could escape.
According to court documents obtained by FOX 2, Nicolay knocked on the front door, walked around the home, then shattered a backdoor window. The homeowner hid in the garage and contacted police while Nicolay reportedly attempted to take several items.
When police arrived, they followed footprints around the home and observed that a rear door was broken. Police entered the home through that door and located Nicolay, who was in possession of sports memorabilia valued at around $600, per court documents.
According to Missouri court records, Nicolay also has convictions for burglary cases in St. Louis, St. Charles and Lincoln counties dating back to 2005. He is being held on a $75,000 bond.