High-speed pursuit of arsonist ends in fiery crash

Spokane County sheriff’s deputies took a suicidal man wanted for arson into custody Wednesday when his car caught fire following a high speed chase. A caller reported Brian Olson, 29, was threatening to kill himself near the area of 20000 N. Holcomb Road, according to a news release. Olson had a warrant for his arrest in connection to an arson investigation at 403 W. Barnes Road. The caller told dispatch that Olson had left the residence. Deputies found him traveling near the area of Bruce Street and Peone Road and tried to stop his vehicle. Olson refused to stop and fled the scene. Olson traveled westbound toward Market Street and Magnesium Road, where another deputy had laid spike strips on the road to disable the vehicle. Olson missed the strips and nearly hit the deputy. Olson fled through north Spokane County toward Pasadena Elementary School on Upriver Drive. Deputies terminated the pursuit, but started again when they found Olson traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of travel on Argonne through Millwood. Olson continued toward Mission Avenue, and deputies executed a PIT maneuver to disable Olson’s vehicle. Olson attempted to flee on foot, but deputies quickly caught him. The engine compartment on Olson’s car caught on fire and was extinguished by Valley Fire. Olson was booked into jail on the felony charges of second-degree assault, eluding police and arson.