A dispute over a popular beach collectible turned violent on the Oregon Coast, resulting in the arrest of a 64-year-old woman in Lincoln City.
Altercation Erupts Over Coveted Glass Float
Police say Michelle Dorcas Evans was taken into custody Wednesday morning following an incident involving a man near the Siletz Bay Lodge.
According to investigators, both individuals spotted one of Lincoln City’s well-known glass floats—decorative, hand-blown art pieces hidden along local beaches. The situation escalated into a confrontation, with the man alleging Evans struck him multiple times with a piece of driftwood and tore his jacket during the encounter.
Conflicting Accounts of the Incident
Evans told police that the man pushed past her when they both noticed the float. She claimed she does not remember hitting him, though officers reported she was holding a stick during questioning. Evans added that the driftwood became tangled in the man’s jacket, which she tried to free.
However, a witness reported seeing Evans hit the man in the back with the stick and did not observe the man push her.
Charges Filed and Court Proceedings
Evans has pleaded not guilty to several charges, including fourth-degree assault and unlawful use of a weapon. A judge later released her from custody with conditions, including no contact with the alleged victim. Her next court appearance is scheduled for June 1.
Popular Beach Tradition Turns Tense
The incident is unusual given the typically peaceful nature of Lincoln City’s “Finders Keepers” program, a long-running tradition where glass floats are hidden along beaches for visitors to discover and keep.
The program has attracted both locals and tourists for years, making the collectibles highly sought after—but rarely the cause of conflict.
Investigation Continues
Authorities continue to review the case as more details emerge. The altercation serves as a reminder of how quickly disputes can escalate, even in otherwise relaxed settings.
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