Florida Authorities Arrest Three Amid Hurricane Isaias Aftermath

Three individuals have been arrested in Escambia County, Florida, following alleged criminal activities that took advantage of the disruptions caused by Hurricane Isaias. Authorities reported a carjacking incident and an attempted burglary, with suspects accused of exploiting the storm's aftermath.

According to Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons, Dustin Kelley, 30, and Amanda Carr, 29, approached a woman, claiming their phones had died and asking to charge them in her vehicle. Simmons stated that Carr appeared to be crying, furthering the ruse. After the woman exited the car to allow them to charge their phones, Kelley and Carr allegedly drove away in her vehicle. A deputy observed the stolen car, initiating a chase that concluded when the vehicle crashed, resulting in no serious injuries.

Kelley faces charges including larceny, fleeing or eluding police, and possession of marijuana. Carr is charged with larceny.

In a separate incident, a third suspect, Van Gary Spikes Jr., was arrested for allegedly attempting to break into a 24-hour store by smashing a window during a power outage. A deputy on patrol witnessed the attempted burglary and intervened. Spikes Jr. allegedly fled but was apprehended shortly after.

Spikes Jr. is charged with possession of burglary tools, wearing a mask during the commission of a 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.

Hurricane Isaias caused widespread power outages across Florida, with over 438,000 residents affected at one point. The storm also resulted in severe damage, including flooding and downed power lines in some areas, and was confirmed to be linked to at least one death in Mobile, Alabama.