UPDATE: SWAT/Negotiators Return to Contact DV Suspect, Brian N. Olson, in Wednesday Night’s Standoff
Olson was Arrested Inside the Home that He Set on Fire
On October 21, 2021, 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 on October 20, 2021.
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.
A check of Olson’s criminal history showed he is a 5-time convicted felon with convictions for Bomb Threat-Intent to Alarm, Assault 3rd Degree DV (2 counts), Arson 2nd Degree, Assault 2nd Degree-Weapon, and Attempting to Elude. His criminal history also showed two misdemeanor convictions for Malicious Mischief 3rd Degree and Assault 4th Degree.
Olson also showed a “caution” entry stemming from an incident in 2018 where he reportedly attempted to make homemade explosives during another standoff with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team. During that incident, Olson made threats to burn down a residence.
After Olson’s arrest, Major Crime Detectives and a Spokane County Fire District 9 Fire Investigator entered the home with a search warrant to continue the investigation and determine how/when the fire started, which destroyed the house.
Through the investigation, it was determined Olson was the only person inside the home on 10/20/2021 when the fire started. From the evidence collected and the observed charring and smoke damage, the fire’s origin was on or near an upholstered chair. The fire consumed most of the oxygen in the room and smothered itself to a dormant but still active state, super-heating the air and organic materials through the rest of the residence.
It is believed the fire received the oxygen and ventilation needed to reignite when the SWAT Team returned the next day and opened doors and windows in an attempt to contact Olson.
With this new information and evidence learned during the investigation, Major Crimes Detectives added Arson 1st Degree and Resisting Arrest charges on October 22, 2021. He is also charged with Assault 4th Degree (DV) stemming from the original call.
During Olson’s court appearance on Monday, October 25, 2021, Spokane County Prosecutors requested Olson’s bond set at $500,000 due to Olson’s lengthy and violent criminal history, but Spokane County Court Commissioner John Stine Olson’s bond at $100,000.
NOTE: Generally, a bail bonds company will pay the total amount of a defendant’s bail in exchange for a 10% fee. Depending on the risk and amount of bond, a bail bonds company may need some collateral to help ensure the defendant appears to court.
Example: With a bond set at $100,000, the defendant or someone who wants to secure a bond for his release would need to pay a bail bonds company the $10,000 fee. Additional collateral may or may not be required depending on the bail bonds company’s requirements.
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Original Release from October 21, 2021:
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 (October 20, 2021).
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 (October 21, 2021, 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.