When It Rains It Pours

Alabama Gustav He evacuated for the storm and his house burned down. Less than 48 hours later someone steals his car.

by Tiffany Craig

Published: Wed, September 03, 2008 - 5:50 pm CST Last Updated: Wed, September 03, 2008 - 9:04 pm CST

First, he evacuates for the storm and his house burns down. Next, a man takes off in his car. What could possibly happen next?

The story of Jacky Long and his granddaughter Virginia Henson started on Sunday night.

They left their Theodore home to weather the storm in a shelter. While they were gone, the house burned down. They had no insurance.

The two moved into another temporary shelter and met a man who said his name was "Russell". Virginia says he claimed to be an evacuee as well. "He said the fire department had evacuated him because he was in a low lying area. So he buttered up to you to make you feel like you were all in the same boat? Exactly"

Daisy Galvan was staying at the shelter as well and remembers the man. "Little by little, he started talking to everybody and everybody heard his story. I think that's why people were trusting him."

Tuesday evening, "Russell" hopped in the car with Jacky for a visit to the American Red Cross office on Dauphin Street. Jacky was going to apply for aid since he lost his home in a fire. Jacky got out and "Russell" asked if he could run an errand in the car. Jacky agreed and "Russell" has never been heard from again.

Since Jacky agreed to let the man take the car, the con man can only be charged with the unauthorized use of a vehicle. That crime is a misdemeanor.

Jacky did get some help from the Red Cross but needs a lot more to get back on his feet.

If you would like to pitch in, he could use any money you could spare. You can make a donation at the Regions Bank in Tillman's Corner at 5436 Highway 90.

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carl Says:

Thu, Sep 04, 2008 at 7:24 am

Gota keep those liquid refreshments cold,keep that fridge going at all costs.

BamaBob Says:

Thu, Sep 04, 2008 at 7:10 am

Very good point Carl and I have actually never given it any thought. I usually just pack a duffel bag and run for my life.

carl Says:

Thu, Sep 04, 2008 at 6:44 am

When anyone leaves for an extended amount of time it pays to shut everything down except the refrigerator. Throw them breakers,turn off the gas and water. It only takes a few minutes to get everything back up and running when you return.

rosepetal Says:

Thu, Sep 04, 2008 at 2:32 am

i agree sweetnsour, but this was a old man. it is also one good reason why its not always good to evacuate during a storm.

sweetnsour Says:

Thu, Sep 04, 2008 at 12:57 am

I have never loaned my car out, not even to my brother. If someone doesn’t have their own ride it is for a reason. You don’t loan your woman out, don’t loan yo ride. Either of them could come back with a rod slung in them, that is, if they are even returned.

rosepetal Says:

Wed, Sep 03, 2008 at 11:51 pm

this is really terrible. i am glad his brother is in town to help.

mustuknow Says:

Wed, Sep 03, 2008 at 6:55 pm

This is pitiful. I cannot imagine this happening to me or my family. It is not enough that he loses his home but then some con man steals his car. They can call it unauthorized use if they want but personally I believe that if they take it under false pretense and fail to return it within a specified amount of time it should be considered stolen and a felony. I hope the good people of South Alabama help this fellow and his granddaughter out. I mean you just don’t mess with our elderly or our children. I hope someone finds this scum bag and teaches him a lesson in good old fashioned Southern Justice.

BamaBob Says:

Wed, Sep 03, 2008 at 6:29 pm

This poor old guy reminds me of an old song.
. If it weren’t for bad luck
I’d have no luck at all