Sebastian Crime Blotter: December 19

Confession, DNA evidence lead to arrest in fatal stabbing of army vet

GIFFORD — A tearful confession, DNA evidence and surveillance footage led deputies to arrest a murder suspect who they said killed an army veteran and stole his belongings earlier this year. Eugene "Gene" Bain, 65, admitted to detectives that he repeatedly stabbed a man sleeping outside of Stone Brothers Funeral Chapel before walking off with his scooter, backpack and cell phone, Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers said. "(Bain) was in the hospital in tears," said Flowers, who mentioned that Bain was hospitalized for unrelated health issues. "(Bain) said 'I have to get this off my conscious' and admitted it." Flowers spoke during a news conference Wednesday at the sheriff's office, where he identified the victim as David Schultz, a ...

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. ...