A Flagler County man is accused of throwing a cinderblock into the sliding door of a home and stealing jewelry and other miscellaneous items while his neighbors were evacuated due to Hurricane Irma, deputies said Monday.

  • Man accused of burglarizing neighbor's evacuated home
  • Andrew Gross, 36, arrested on burglary, grand theft charges
  • Deputies: Incident happened during Hurricane Irma evacuations

Andrew David Gross, 36, of Red Barn Drive, was arrested on a burglary charge, according to the Flagler County Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff Rick Staly had a stern message for criminals looking to prey on evacuees last week as Hurricane Irma moved closer to the state.

"Any dirt bag looking to take advantage of people during this storm will be arrested and taken to (the Flagler County Detention Facility)," Staly said.

Gross was arrested Monday morning.

"This is not the way we look out for our neighbors," Staly said. "The entire state is dealing with the effects of Hurricane Irma. This is a time to come together as a community and help each other."

Gross was booked into the Flagler County Detention Facility on charges of burglary and grand theft. His bond was set at $5,000.