Florence Police Enact Two Warrants
On June 25th, two separate search warrants were executed in Florence—one in the Skookum Drive area and another at the Wayside Mobile Home Park. Florence Police and the Oregon Department of Justice collaborated, each taking the lead on one of the operations. According to authorities, both warrants stemmed from cyber tips received through the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, or ICAC, and are not connected. ICAC is a nationwide network of law enforcement agencies focused on combating the online exploitation of children. Following the searches, multiple electronic devices were seized. The Oregon DOJ is now conducting forensic examinations, and once complete, evidence from the Florence Police-led search will be reviewed in coordination with the Lane County District Attorney’s Office.
Suspect Arrested on Suspicion of Assault
On June 24th at 12:45 p.m., Florence Police responded to a 911 call from a juvenile reporting that her mother was being assaulted at their Shorepines apartment. Officers arrived to find the victim and her daughter safely outside. The suspect, identified as 49-year-old Benjamin Scott Turnbeaugh, had locked himself inside the apartment. Police confirmed Turnbeaugh had a felony warrant out of Lane County and developed probable cause to arrest him for strangulation based on the victim’s statements. After attempts to make contact were unsuccessful, officers used a key and a ballistic shield to safely enter the apartment. Turnbeaugh was located in a bedroom and taken into custody without further incident. He was lodged at the Florence City Jail and later transported to Lane County Adult Corrections.
City Council Meeting
The Florence City Council will meet Monday, June 30th, with a full agenda that includes employee recognition and invitations to upcoming events—the City Block Party on July 18th and National Night Out on August 5th. A public hearing will be held on proposed amendments to the System Development Charges code, including updates to deferral and exemption programs. Council will also consider adjustments to the city’s fee schedule and a street closure request for the July 18th Block Party in Old Town. Full meeting details are available on the city’s website.
