Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
PULLMAN - James S. Olson was reportedly found hiding under a blanket and pillows after attacking an ex-girlfriend a second time. In her Pullman apartment
Olson, 31, of Albion, was charged on Aug. 30 in Whitman County Superior Court with burglary in the first degree – domestic violence, violating a no-contact court order, and obstructing a law enforcement officer.
Olson is accused of attacking his 35-year-old ex-girlfriend twice in her Pullman apartment on Aug. 24 and Aug. 27.
For the earlier attack, he could be facing additional charges of burglary in the first degree – domestic violence, theft in the third degree – domestic violence, malicious mischief in the third degree – domestic violence, assault in the fourth degree – domestic violence, and violation of a court order regarding two counts of assault and reckless behavior – domestic violence, according to court records.
On Aug. 24, Pullman police were called by the 35-year-old woman about how her ex-boyfriend attacked her, damaged a door and a painting, and stole her apartment keys.
The woman told police Olson was staying with her occasionally since his release from the Whitman County Jail in July. He was reportedly violating a no-contact order by being within 1,000 feet of her.
Olson is accused of head-butting her, "yanking" her off a couch, and squeezing a bruise on her hand to cause pain, according to the police report.
He allegedly punched a hole in a bedroom door and one in a canvas picture. Olson is also accused of stealing the keys to her apartment.
Three days later he returned, upset "with how she had been sleeping," and pushed her onto a bed. Olson allegedly struck her twice in the head, according to the police report.
"She said she was struck in the right ear and lip," wrote an officer. "She had a fat lip."
She fought back and wrestled with him until they fell off the bed. She told him to leave and fled the apartment.
Pullman police reported they entered to find Olson allegedly hiding under a blanket and pillows between two couches. He was arrested and booked into jail.
He admits to wrestling with the victim but claims he did not strike her.
Olson made his preliminary appearance in court but has not been arraigned yet.
Bill Stevenson is the former editor of the Whitman County Gazette, Colfax Daily Bulletin and Franklin Connection. He has nearly 30 years of journalism experience covering news in Eastern Washington.
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