At least three people were arrested in Escambia County, Florida, after authorities said they exploited the disruption following Hurricane Isaias to commit separate theft-related offenses. Two suspects allegedly persuaded a woman to let them into her vehicle by claiming they needed to charge a phone, then drove away in the car. A third suspect was arrested after allegedly trying to break into a 24-hour store while the power was out. Sheriff’s officials said deputies were actively patrolling the area during the storm’s aftermath and quickly intervened.
| 1) | Alleged phone-charging ruse leads to vehicle theft |
| 2) | Deputy pursues stolen car after suspects drive away |
| 3) | Third suspect allegedly targets darkened convenience store |
| 4) | Charges reflect separate allegations in storm aftermath |
| 5) | Authorities emphasize heightened patrols during emergencies |
Alleged phone-charging ruse leads to vehicle theft
According to Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons, Dustin Kelley, 30, and Amanda Carr, 29, allegedly approached a woman in the area after Hurricane Isaias and claimed they were helping with storm-related work. The pair reportedly said their phone had died and asked to charge it.
The woman allowed Kelley and Carr into her vehicle so they could plug in the phone. Sheriff Simmons said Carr was crying and appeared to need assistance obtaining a charger. After the woman exited the vehicle, the two suspects allegedly drove away, turning an apparent request for help into a car theft investigation.
Deputy pursues stolen car after suspects drive away
A nearby deputy reportedly spotted the vehicle shortly after it was taken and began pursuing it. The chase ended when the car crashed. Authorities said no one was seriously injured in the collision.
The arrests occurred in Escambia County as law enforcement agencies were responding to the broader effects of the hurricane, including power outages and storm damage. Kelley was taken into custody and faced allegations connected to the vehicle theft, the attempt to evade law enforcement and possession of marijuana. Carr was also arrested and charged with larceny.
“These two angels pretended like they needed a phone charged and ended up stealing a car.”
Third suspect allegedly targets darkened convenience store
Sheriff Simmons said a separate incident involved Van Gary Spikes Jr., who allegedly attempted to enter a 24-hour store by smashing a window while the power was out. The incident took place during the storm’s aftermath, when outages had affected businesses and residents across the region.
A deputy reportedly saw the alleged break-in in progress. Spikes Jr. allegedly ran when the deputy arrived but was stopped after a brief pursuit. The sheriff’s office said the intervention prevented the attempted burglary from continuing.
Charges reflect separate allegations in storm aftermath
Kelley was charged with larceny, fleeing or eluding police and possession of marijuana. Carr was charged with larceny in connection with the alleged vehicle theft. The charges are allegations, and the defendants are entitled to due process as their cases proceed.
Authorities said Spikes Jr. faced charges including possession of burglary 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.
Authorities emphasize heightened patrols during emergencies
The sheriff’s office said deputies were deployed throughout the county to address criminal activity during the emergency response. That presence allowed a deputy to locate the allegedly stolen vehicle and another to intervene at the store, according to officials.
Sheriff Simmons described the arrests as an example of deputies remaining active while residents and businesses dealt with the consequences of Hurricane Isaias. The incidents also show how officials say disruptions such as power outages, damaged roads and general confusion can create opportunities for alleged theft and property crimes.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Two suspects allegedly used a phone-charging request to gain access to a woman’s vehicle. |
| 2 | A deputy spotted the allegedly stolen car, pursued it and arrested the suspects after a crash. |
| 3 | A third suspect allegedly tried to break into a store during a power outage. |
| 4 | The arrests followed active patrols in Escambia County during the hurricane response. |
Summary
Escambia County authorities arrested three people in two separate incidents allegedly linked to the disruption caused by Hurricane Isaias. The cases involved a reported vehicle theft after a phone-charging request and an attempted store break-in during a power outage. Officials credited active sheriff’s office patrols with quickly locating the suspects and preventing further alleged property crimes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the woman’s vehicle?
Authorities said Kelley and Carr allegedly persuaded the woman to let them into her vehicle to charge a phone, then drove away after she exited.
How were the vehicle theft suspects caught?
A nearby deputy reportedly spotted the vehicle and pursued it. The car crashed, and no serious injuries were reported.
What was the third suspect accused of doing?
Authorities said Spikes Jr. allegedly smashed a window while attempting to enter a 24-hour store during a power outage.
What charges did the suspects face?
Kelley, Carr and Spikes Jr. faced separate charges related to alleged larceny, evading police, drug possession, attempted burglary, property damage and other offenses.
