Isaias batters Southeast as officials confirm Alabama death
Severe weather and storm damage spread across the Southeast after Hurricane Isaias, leaving more than 438,000 Florida residents without electricity. Fox Weather meteorologist Michael Estime reported on cleanup dangers in Mobile, Alabama, where officials confirmed one storm-related death. In Rosemary Beach, resident Kristin Scheurer described flooding and power lines brought down by the storm.
At least three people were arrested in Florida after authorities said they took advantage of the disruption following Hurricane Isaias to steal a car and attempt to loot a store.
Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons said in a video posted on Facebook that Dustin Kelley, 30, and Amanda Carr, 29, allegedly approached a woman while claiming they were working in the area on storm cleanup.
The pair allegedly told the woman their phone had died and asked to charge it. She allowed them into her car so they could plug it in. Simmons said Carr was “crying” and claimed she did not have a charger.
Dustin Kelley was arrested after allegedly stealing a woman’s car in Escambia County, Florida, by claiming he and Amanda Carr needed help charging a phone. (Escambia County Sheriff’s Office)
Once the woman stepped out of the vehicle, Kelley and Carr allegedly drove away in it.
A nearby deputy spotted the car and pursued it. The vehicle later crashed, although no one was seriously hurt.
“So these two angels pretended like they needed a phone charged and ended up stealing a car. Unfortunately for them, they didn’t realize that the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has been out in full force looking for people just like them, and they’re going to jail now,” Simmons said.
Kelley faces charges of larceny, fleeing or eluding police, and marijuana possession. Carr was charged with larceny.
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Amanda Carr was arrested after allegedly helping steal a woman’s car in Escambia County, Florida, as the community dealt with the aftermath of Hurricane Isaias. (Escambia County Sheriff’s Office)
Simmons also said another man allegedly attempted to break into a 24-hour store by smashing a window during a power outage. A sheriff’s office public information officer identified the suspect to News Media as Van Gary Spikes Jr.
According to Simmons, a deputy witnessed the alleged break-in and moved in to stop it.
“The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office was out in full force and we were able to pull up, saw him, and he took off running, but didn’t get far,” Simmons said.
Van Gary Spikes Jr. was arrested after allegedly trying to break into a 24-hour store during a power outage following Hurricane Isaias, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. (Escambia County Sheriff’s Office)
Simmons said Spikes Jr. was charged with possession of burglary tools; wearing a mask while committing a second-degree felony; attempted burglary of an unoccupied structure during a state of emergency; loitering and prowling; criminal mischief involving damage of $200 or more; and obstruction without violence.
News Media contacted Spikes Jr., Kelley and Carr for comment.