Police: 81-year-old man fires shotgun at boaters using his dock

FLORENCE, Oregon (KPTV) -- Police arrested a man accused of firing a shotgun at boaters attempting to load up and leave after experiencing boat problems on the Siuslaw River.

Officers were called to the 67500 block of Highway 126 east of Florence at 1:30 p.m. Monday.

Two men told investigators they had boat trouble on the river and rowed to a nearby dock where they secured their aluminum drift boat. One man stayed with the boat, while the other went to get their vehicle.

After returning with the trailer, police said the men loaded the boat and were getting ready to leave when the property owner approached them from his boat.

Investigators said Elden Nordahl, 81, told the men not to leave. He then went into his home and came out with a shotgun, police said.

He's accused of firing one shot that penetrated the boat's hull. The men got in their vehicle and began driving away when Nordahl fired a second round that hit the boat's engine, according to Oregon State Police.

Police arrested Nordahl on charges including menacing, recklessly endangering another person, unlawful use of a weapon and pointing a firearm at another person.

Officers seized a shotgun, a rifle and ammunition as 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 at 1-800-452-7888.