Footprints in the snow led Kane County sheriff’s deputies to an unusual arrest at a motel — and felony charges of residential burglary and misdemeanor charges of possessing a firearm.

Michael Gran (CREDIT: Kane County Sheriff’s Office)

According to a Sheriff’s Office news release, deputies responded on Wednesday, Jan. 16, to a report of a residential burglary on Mason Road in unincorporated Elgin Township.

At the home, deputies noticed the patio door, back door, window and vinyl siding of the victim’s house were damaged. While the deputies were searching the exterior of the residence, they noticed footprints in the snow that led to another residence on Mason Road.

The back window of the second home had been forced open, the news release said.

Deputies again followed the footprints, which led them across the street to a nearby motel and a vehicle in the rear parking lot. While the deputies were searching the dumpster area in the rear parking lot of the motel, a man — later identified as Michael Gran, 54, of Elgin —  walked out of the motel and opened the drivers side door of the vehicle in the parking lot.

Deputies spoke with Gran and asked for consent to search his vehicle and hotel room, the news release said. Gran provided deputies with written consent.

During the search, stolen proceeds were recovered that include jewelry, hand guns, ammunition, pocket knives and collectible coins. A pry bar and hammer were discovered in Gran’s motel room hidden under his laundry, the Sheriff’s Office said.

Gran was charged with two counts of Residential Burglary, two counts of Criminal Damage to Property and two counts of Possession of Burglary Tools — all felonies.

He also faces misdemeanor charges Unlawful Use/Possession of a Firearm, Possession of Stolen Firearm Without Falid FOID and Possession of Ammunition Without Valid FOID

The charges against Gran are not proof of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the state’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

SOURCE: Kane County Sheriff’s Office news release