Isaias batters Southeast as officials confirm Alabama death
Severe 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 dangerous cleanup conditions in Mobile, Alabama, where officials confirmed one storm-related death. Rosemary Beach resident Kristin Scheurer also recounted flooding and downed power lines in her community after the severe weather.
At least three people were arrested in Florida after authorities said they took advantage of the disorder following Hurricane Isaias to allegedly 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 and told her they were in the area helping with hurricane recovery work.
The pair allegedly said their phone had run out of power and asked the woman if they could charge it. She allowed them into her vehicle, while Simmons said Carr was “crying” because she did not have a charger.
Dustin Kelley was arrested after allegedly stealing a woman’s car in Escambia County, Florida, after he and Amanda Carr claimed they needed help charging a phone. (Escambia County Sheriff’s Office)
Once the woman stepped away from the vehicle, Kelley and Carr allegedly drove off in the car.
A nearby deputy spotted the vehicle and pursued it. The chase ended when the car 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 attempting to elude 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 area dealt with the aftermath of Hurricane Isaias. (Escambia County Sheriff’s Office)
Simmons also said another man allegedly attempted to enter a 24-hour store by smashing a window during the power outage. A sheriff’s office public information officer identified the suspect to News Outlet as Van Gary Spikes Jr.
According to Simmons, a deputy witnessed the alleged break-in and intervened.
“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 while the power was out 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 burglaring tools, wearing a mask during the commission of 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 Outlet contacted Spikes Jr., Kelley and Carr for comment.
