UPDATE: In addition to the original Assault 4th DV charge, charges of Reckless Burning 2nd Degree (DV) & Resisting Arrest were added. The suspect, Brian N. Olson, remains in the Spokane County Jail.
SWAT/Negotiators Return to Contact DV Suspect in Last Night’s Standoff
Suspect Arrested Inside the Home that He is Believed to have Set Ablaze
Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies, SWAT Team, Rescue Task Force (RTF), Hostage Negotiation Team, and Spokane County Fire District 9 returned to the home on N. Crestline where a Domestic Violence Suspect refused to surrender last night.
At that time, due to the previous violent history of the suspect and his unwillingness to cooperate with negotiators and peacefully surrender, it was decided not to force entry and leave the scene in an attempt to deescalate the situation per the new police reform laws passed by the state legislature.
Today, the homeowner and victim requested assistance at the residence to obtain his needed medications. Patrol Deputies, SWAT Team, and RTF members attempted to contact the suspect, 37-year-old Brian N. Olson, and execute the search warrant obtained last night.
Brian Olson was located inside the home he is suspected of setting on fire intentionally. He continued to be uncooperative but was eventually taken into custody.
He was provided medical attention and will be booked into the Spokane County Jail once medically cleared.
He faces Assault 4th Degree (DV) charges from last night’s incident and may face additional charges as this active investigation continues.
Sheriff Knezovich commends all the Deputies, Spokane City Firefighters, Spokane County District 9 Firefighters, and other assisting agencies for a job well done despite being hampered by the Washington State Legislatures' newly implemented reform laws.
** The Rescue Task Force Teams are comprised of Spokane Valley, Spokane City, and Spokane County Firefighters who have been trained to work alongside SWAT Team members in a tactical environment.