Sheriff: Pasco man burglarized Middle Eastern family's home in possible hate crime

A Pasco County man was arrested for a possible hate crime after allegedly harassing a Middle Eastern family, deputies said.

The man, who is from Holiday, burglarized the family’s home and threw nails at their vehicles, according to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office. 

Deputies say the man moved into the Holiday neighborhood after the family, but made comments that he didn't like the family, who has four small children, and said they shouldn't be here because they were from Iraq. 

Deputies say the suspect broke into the family's home and stole a purse. He is also accused of throwing nails in the road at the family's car. "It's absolutely disgusting," said Sheriff Chris Nocco at a news conference Wednesday.

The sheriff's office is hoping to get a 'hate crime enhancement' on the charges of burglary and has also referred the case to the FBI for additional federal charges.