Vidalia — A Vidalia man was arrested Wednesday after allegedly leading officers from a stolen all-terrain vehicle to the front door of his hiding place with muddy footprints.

William Brandenburg Jr., 47, 805 Minorca Road, was arrested on charges of possession of stolen property and aggravated burglary.

Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office Capt. Elgin Bilbo said deputies located a stolen ATV in a field.

Bilbo said the four-wheeler was covered in mud and, upon closer inspection, officers found footprints in the mud.

Officers followed the footprints from the vehicle to a nearby apartment and from there to the front door of one of the residences.

Upon knocking on the door, Bilbo said a man inside the home told officers he was the only one inside.

But Bilbo said the officers saw the trail of muddy footprints leading to a closet inside the residence and, upon opening the door, found Brandenburg hiding inside.

Officers arrested Brandenburg on a warrant for aggravated burglary from a prior incident and on a possession of stolen property charge. His bond is set at $7,500.

Chief David Hedrick of the CPSO said he was proud of his officers’ work in finding Brandenburg.

“I want to commend my officers, Chris Goad and Justin Stevens, for their diligence in the holiday season,” Hedrick said. “They have done an excellent job.”

Hedrick said citizens should be aware that crime does not slow during the holiday season, and asked anyone who sees something out of the ordinary to call the sheriff’s office.

“We’ll send somebody out there and we’ll straighten it out,” Hedrick said. “No matter what it is.”