Anonymous tip leads to suspect arrest
Police say an anonymous tip related to a June 30th burglary and gun theft led them to a Florence residence yesterday.
They questioned the occupant of the home and, says Florence Police Commander John Pitcher, they recovered all nine guns stolen from Florence True Value, including an AK-47, short barreled shotgun, and seven hand guns.
26 year old Jose Luis Villa was taken into custody and charged with Burglary, Theft and Criminal Mischief.
Pitcher said the case came to a speedy conclusion early yesterday after police received the anonymous tip… one of several tips that came after authorities offered a $500 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case.
He said he wasn’t sure if the reward would come in to play in this instance as the major tip that led to the arrest was made anonymously.
Power of FlOreNcE!
23 events will be held at the Grocery Outlet Center; 14 more will be held at other venues during Saturday’s fifth annual Power of Florence.
As it has each year so far, the annual day of volunteering will start off with a pancake and scrambled egg breakfast at the United Methodist Church on Kingwood Street, followed by a “Power Walk” down the street at Florence Christian Church.
Seven different groups will work on beautifying places throughout the community, including parks cleanups and a scotch broom pull on the dunes.
The CROW kids will be washing cars at Oregon Pacific Bank and the high school choir will sing for the residents at Elderberry Square, a senior living facility.
The “Party in the Parking Lot” a Grocery Outlet includes events benefitting the Oregon Coast Humane Society, Florence Food Share, Food Backpacks for Kids; Siuslaw Outreach Services and more.
The idea behind the day, according to 16 year old organizer Kaylee Graham, is to encourage everyone to do something, big or small, for someone else.
Bomb scare suspect in Coos County
North Bend police say they have a suspect in a bomb scare that closed downtown nearly three weeks ago. Police Chief Robert Kappelman has not disclosed the person’s name, but told The World newspaper of Coos Bay that investigators have – quote – “extremely strong circumstantial evidence” linking him to the scare.
The incident happened when a passer-by noticed a suspicious device comprised of electrical parts and other materials. Police conducted an evacuation within a 300-foot radius, and Oregon State Police sent in a bomb squad.
The device that was on a window ledge turned out to be a fake.
Kappelman says a witness told investigators that the suspect had a similar device when visiting the area shortly before the scare. The chief says the suspect is on probation in another state.
Low summer fuel prices continue
The national average price for a gallon of regular gas has fallen now for 31 consecutive days: the longest streak since August and September of last year. And, it’s at the lowest mark for this date since 2004 at $2.23.
In Oregon, the average price, as measured by Triple-A, has varied by about four cents a gallon over the same time; this week’s average is $2.54.
In Florence, the average price held steady once again at $2.41… the lowest for this time of year since 2004.