Shotgun Used on Boat, Sept. 10

Oregon State Police (OSP) is seeking additional witnesses following the arrest of an 81-year old man who fired a shotgun at the men’s boat in the 6000 block of Highway 126 east of Florence along the Siuslaw River. On September 8, 2014 at approximately 1:32 p.m., two OSP troopers, a Lane County Sheriff’s Office deputy, and an officer from Confederate Tribes of Coos Lower Umpqua Siuslaw Indians Police Department responded to a reported menacing at 67500 Highway 126 near milepost 3. Initial investigation indicated that two men had boat trouble as they were in the Siuslaw River and rowed to a dock where they secured their aluminum drift boat. One of the men remained with the boat as the other walked to get their vehicle and trailer to remove the boat from the water. After returning with the vehicle and trailer, the men loaded the boat and were getting ready to leave when the property owner, ELDEN NORDAHL, age 81, arrived on his boat and approached the men. After telling them not to leave, NORDAHL went into his home and came out with a shotgun, firing one shot that penetrated the boat’s hull. As he was reloading, the men got in their vehicle and began driving away when a second round was fired hitting the boat’s engine. Subsequent to the investigation, OSP arrested NORDAHL for Menacing, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Pointing a Firearm at a Person. A shotgun, rifle and ammunition were seized for evidence. OSP troopers reported seeing several people in the river near the incident site that may have been witnesses. Any witnesses are asked to call OSP Northern Command Center dispatch at 800-452-7888 to leave a message for contact from lead investigator, Recruit Trooper Candyce Fiddy.