Two female burglars might have gotten away with their ill-gotten gains had blood — and obvious injuries — not linked them to the crime scene, an official said Thursday.

Limestone County Sheriff’s Office Spokesman Stephen Young said deputies Jamie King and Martin Evans responded to a burglary-in-progress call shortly before 11 p.m. Tuesday night on Buckskin Drive. King observed two females, identified as 32-year-old Angel Nicole Patterson of 19594 Alabama 99, Athens, and 29-year-old Crystal Gail Sanchez of 100 E. Sanderfer Road, Athens, walking toward Nick Davis Road and carrying objects.

Young said Patterson told King she and Sanchez were waiting on a ride and were walking to the end of the road so their friend could pick them up. Young said when asked where they were coming from, Patterson gestured and said, “Down there.” When asked specifically where “down there” was, Patterson said “Frank’s house.”

Patterson then offered to show the deputy what was in the bag, which turned out to be two quart-sized plastic cups containing loose change.

Evans responded to the victim’s home, located through a tip from a witness. The same witness provided a clothing description of one of the suspects, which matched Patterson, Young said.

Evans noticed a broken window and fresh blood on the outside of the home. Evans then asked King if either one of the women had visible injuries. Young said King noted Sanchez had scratch marks and blood on her arms, legs and socks.

Sheriff’s Investigator Tim McNeill made contact with the landlord, who allowed him to enter the residence. When inside, he noticed smeared blood on the floor and samples were taken.

The tenant arrived and told deputies two containers of loose change were missing from her bedroom. Young said investigators determined it was the same containers being carried by Patterson and Sanchez.

The women were then arrested on charges of third-degree burglary. They remained in the Limestone County Jail Friday on $2,500 bond.