William (Ben) Eppinger, 77, Sebastian

No injuries after plane makes emergency landing in field in Sebastian

SEBASTIAN — Two people escaped injury after a Piper PA-28 plane experienced a power issue, leading the pilot to make an emergency landing in a field Tuesday morning, officials said. The single-engine aircraft took off from the Sebastian Municipal Airport, Police Capt. Tim Wood said. The plane was traveling south near the Vero Beach Regional Airport when it experienced a power issue about 9:30 a.m., according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The pilot headed back north and made a soft landing in an undeveloped area located on a private property just west of the railroad tracks, not far from 99th Street and U.S. 1, Wood said. Further details on the individuals aboard the aircraft were not immediately available. The FAA ...

2 residents, 4 dogs displaced after Sebastian house fire

SEBASTIAN — Two residents, along with their four dogs, were displaced after a house fire that ignited overnight, fire rescue crews said. No injuries were reported in the incident, Indian River County Assistant Fire Chief Bill Herrington said. Red Cross South Florida Region assisted the residents - two adults - and pets with temporary living accommodations. Firefighters were called to the blaze about 3:30 a.m. Monday at the residence along 50th Avenue in Sebastian. Herrington said the flames originated in a bedroom and that the home sustained extensive smoke damage. "There was fire damage to a couple of rooms," Herrington said. Herrington said fire crews knocked down the flames within 16 minutes. The residence is uninhabitable for now, he said. ...

Police: Body found in car at Sebastian Walmart parking lot

SEBASTIAN — There was no evidence of foul play in connection with the death of a woman whose body was found in a car at the Walmart parking lot over the weekend, police said. "After speaking with family and doctors, it was determined she passed away from natural causes," Sebastian police Lt. Rob Vafiades said. "The woman's family has been notified of her passing." Sebastian police responded to reports of an unresponsive woman inside a car about 8:30 a.m. Saturday at the Walmart Supercenter, 2001 U.S. 1, Sebastian. Officers arrived and found the woman slumped over the steering wheel, Vafiades said. Vafiades said police opened the door and found the woman dead. An autopsy report will be conducted to determine ...