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Escambia County, Fla. — Hurricane Isaias left hundreds without power and pushed law enforcement into a familiar post-storm rhythm: patrolling darkened streets and watching for people willing to exploit the chaos. That wait did not last long. In two cases highlighted by Sheriff Chip Simmons, deputies arrested a man for a smashed storefront and two people for an alleged car theft. The details below are drawn from the sheriff’s public updates and reviewed May 9, 2026.
Deputies on routine patrol along Gulf Beach Highway came across a 24-hour store with its front window shattered. The business was dark because the surrounding area was still waiting for power to be restored. Sheriff Simmons said the man had broken the glass in an attempt to get inside and take merchandise.
When deputies tried to approach, the suspect ran. The pursuit was short. Deputies caught him and took him into custody without further incident. The sheriff’s office did not identify the man in the video update, but it confirmed that several charges had been filed.
The suspect now faces a lengthy list of accusations, including attempted burglary of an unoccupied structure during a state of emergency, possession of burglary tools, wearing a mask while committing a second-degree felony, loitering and prowling, criminal mischief involving damage of $200 or more, and obstruction without violence.
The mask-related charge is notable. Deputies believe the suspect was trying to hide his identity while attempting to break into the building, and that fact became part of the criminal case.
The second case started with what looked like a simple request for help. A woman told deputies that a man and a woman approached her, said they were in the area for work, and explained that their phone was dead because the power was out where they were staying.
The woman offered to let them charge the phone in her car. It was a generous move, but when she stepped away for a brief moment, the pair allegedly got into the vehicle and drove off.
Deputy Beatty happened to be nearby. He spotted the stolen car and started a pursuit. The chase ended when the suspects crashed. No serious injuries were reported, according to Sheriff Simmons.
The two suspects were identified as Dustin Lee Kelly, 30, and Amanda Marie Carr, 29. Kelly faces a vehicle theft charge. Carr was also arrested, though the sheriff did not specify her charges in the update.
Cases like these often get treated more seriously because they happen during a declared emergency. Under Florida law, property crimes committed while a state of emergency is in effect can bring additional penalties or upgraded charges. That is part of why the sheriff’s office made the arrests a public priority rather than handling them as routine calls.
A deputy’s ability to act quickly also matters. The patrols were already in place because of the storm recovery, so officers were nearby when the incidents occurred. That timing likely helped prevent both situations from getting worse.
Sheriff Simmons said deputies have been out in force since the storm moved through the county. The focus is on commercial corridors, damaged neighborhoods, and areas where power outages have created long stretches of darkness. The message, he said, is simple: recovery is not an invitation to commit crimes.
The sheriff’s office has also encouraged residents to stay alert. People should avoid letting strangers into their vehicles for reasons like phone charging and should keep car doors locked even while nearby. Homeowners should also check on neighbors, especially those whose homes may have been damaged or left unattended during the storm.
Post-storm crime often depends on opportunity. Without lights, alarms, cameras, or foot traffic, criminals may see a greater chance of getting away with theft. Residents can reduce that risk with a few basic habits:
Both cases are now moving through the legal process. The store-break-in suspect remains in custody, and Kelly is being held on the vehicle theft charge. Carr’s custody status was not detailed in the sheriff’s update. Additional charges may be filed as investigators continue to review evidence from the crash and the break-in.
The sheriff’s office said it will keep patrols active through the rest of the recovery period. For people thinking about taking advantage of a storm, Simmons made the department’s position clear: deputies are watching, and arrests will be made.
