Crash and Threat Arrests on South Oregon Coast - Distracted Driving Targeted in April

Published 03/21/26 at 6:55 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(North Bend, Oregon) – Two unrelated incidents on the south Oregon coast resulted in arrests in recent days, and you'll want to be especially careful with some driving behaviors in that area soon. (Photos Coos County Sheriffs)

The Coos County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) reported two unrelated arrests over a 24-hour period following a vehicle crash on Lampa Lane and a disturbance on Cape Arago Highway. They will also be targeting distracted drivers in that region around Coos Bay and Bandon in April, while Lincoln City's police crew just made a similar announcement.

The first incident occurred on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 2:52 p.m., when a Coos County deputy responded to a crash near milepost 11 on Lampa Lane. According to CCSO, the vehicle had struck a tree head-on, and Mast Brothers Towing was already on scene removing it when the deputy arrived.

The driver was identified as 59-year-old Larry Nicholson, CCSO said, and he was found to have a suspended felony driving status. Nicholson was arrested on a charge of Driving While Suspended-Felony, booked into the Coos County Jail, and later released.

A famed and normally quiet south Oregon coast attraction saw some unusual attention.

The following morning, on March 21 at 9:48 a.m., deputies were dispatched to Cape Arago Highway after receiving reports of a man threatening people recreating in the area. An investigation led to the arrest of 47-year-old Jerry A. Loreman of Coos Bay on charges of Menacing and Disorderly Conduct. Loreman was transported to the Coos County Jail.

The sheriff’s office noted that police action is not indicative of guilt and that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Meanwhile, since visitor season starts its uptick soon and more will be thinking about heading to thebeaches, those visiting Oregon coastal areas in April may want to make sure you're keeping your eyes on the road.

With April designated as National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, that behavior will be targeted by law enforcement probably just about everywhere. So far, Coos County and Lincoln City have declared their focus on the issues. Lincoln City Police Department said it will be joining efforts with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the Put the Phone Away or Pay campaign, and Coos County just made similar announcements.

The Coos County Sheriff’s Office said will participate in a month-long distracted driving blitz from April 1 through April 30, 2026. They said distracted driving includes any activity that pulls a driver’s attention away from operating a vehicle, increasing the likelihood of crashes and injuries.

“ We will be putting extra Officers on the street focusing on enforcing Oregon’s Distracted Driver law (ORS 811.507) which carries a $265 fine for drivers who handle their mobile device while operating their vehicle on the roadway,” said Lincoln City's police department.

During the enforcement period, the sheriff’s office in Coos county will deploy additional patrols with a specific focus on identifying and stopping distracted drivers. While the announcement highlights these targeted efforts, deputies emphasize that all motorists should remain attentive behind the wheel at all times. Drivers are urged to keep their hands on the wheel, their eyes on the road, and their focus on driving safely.

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