Felony Arrest in Florence; Deceased Individual on Popular Trail; Free Fishing; Commercial Crab Season Delayed

Felony Arrest in Florence

Florence Police actively participated in detaining a suspect that was believed to be illegally in possession of a firearm.  Chief John Pitcher said they received communication from Reedsport police that a known felon may be in possession of a firearm and may be in the Florence area.  Florence police officers searched for the vehicle and were able to identify it. At around 12:30 the officers did a felony car stop near highway 101 and 35th street where they were able to apprehend the suspect and did locate a firearm in the vehicle.  They arrested the individual based on the Reedsport probably cause.  Reedsport police came to Florence and retrieved the suspect.

Deceased Individual on Popular Trail

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a deceased individual near the Amanda Trail near Cape Perpetua in south Lincoln County on Monday at approximately 1:45 PM. Detectives confirmed that 43-year-old Frank Marunich of Springfield, Oregon, died from apparent self-inflicted wounds. His next of kin have been notified. The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Oregon State Police, Yachats Fire, Oregon State Parks, and the U.S. Forest Service, for their assistance in the investigation.

Free Fishing

Mark your calendars for Oregon’s Free Fishing Weekend on November 29 and 30, the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving! During these two days, no fishing license, tags, or endorsements are required to fish, crab, or clam anywhere in the state. Remember, all other regulations, including bag limits and area closures, still apply. Be sure to check the latest updates, especially if fishing for salmon or steelhead. Enjoy the holiday weekend outdoors! For tips and more information, visit the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website.

Commercial Crab Season Delayed

Oregon’s commercial Dungeness crab season is delayed coastwide until at least December 16, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced today. Pre-season tests found low meat yields and elevated domoic acid levels in some areas. The season, originally set to open December 1, is delayed to ensure high-quality crabs and prevent waste. The commercial bay crab fishery will also close on December 1 unless the ocean commercial season reopens. Additional testing in the coming weeks will determine if the season opens on December 16 or faces further delays.