A man who allegedly burglarized an Iraqi family's home in Florida and threw screws and nails at their car said that the United States needed "to get rid of people with Middle Eastern descent" and that "Trump will handle it," police said.

David Allen Boileau, 58, was arrested for burglary and could face a hate crime charge, Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco told reporters Wednesday. Nocco said the sheriff's office is working with the state attorney and referred the case to the FBI.

"This is one of those things that is absolutely disgusting. It's absolutely horrific," Nocco said.

The family, four children and their mother, had been living in a neighborhood in Holiday, Florida, before Boileau moved in, but the man allegedly had a goal of trying to get the family out. "He wished they weren’t in his community – which is ironic, because he's the one who moved into our community," Nocco said.

On Monday, Boileau allegedly threw screws and nails at the car of the mother's brother-in-law as he left their house, hoping it would damage the car or its tires, according to a police report.

He also allegedly said "the U.S. needs to rid the country of all of them" and "we'll get rid of them one way or another," according to the police report.

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The next day, Boileau allegedly walked into the family's house through an unlocked back door when they weren't home, police said.

A neighbor who recognized Boileau from the incident the day before saw Boileau snooping around the house, according to the police report. The neighbor told police he saw Boileau yelling for someone at the front of the house then went to the rear when no one answered. After some time, the neighbor said he saw Boileau walk out the front door.

Police arrived, and Boileau expressed his dislike for people of Middle Eastern descent throughout the incident, saying that "they don't belong here."

"He also stated if he doesn't get rid of them, Trump will handle it," the police report says.

Boileau admitted to entering the home and said he went through the family's mail, where he spotted "immigration paperwork," according to the police report. The man claimed he didn't steal anything, but the mother told police a purse with credit and gift cards was taken. Nocco said nothing had been recovered and that the investigation was ongoing.

When asked if he thought President Donald Trump sparks behavior like the one alleged in this case, Nocco said no: "I think this individual causes his own issues." Nocco said it appears the man's alleged harassment of the family began only this week.

The sheriff also stressed that he wanted the family's children to feel safe and supported by police and the community.

"It's heartbreaking this crime occurs. It's heartbreaking what happened. But what really is, to us, most disturbing is when there's children involved," Nocco said.

Follow USA TODAY's Ryan Miller on Twitter: @RyanW_Miller