Pullman man arrested on litany of charges

PULLMAN — A homeless Pullman man faces several charges after allegedly holding a woman against her will.

According to reports, Whitcom dispatched and officer for an order violation 9:17 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 25, to an apartment at 1590 Northeast Northwood Drive.

It was reported that Katherine Gunn, 39, called to report her friend Melena R. Powers, 37, was being held against her will by James S. Olson, 33, of Pullman.

Pullman Officer Mike Leggett reported Gunn said Powers had a no-contact order against Olson and Olson was keeping Powers locked in a room.

According to public record, Gunn informed officials the information was obtained through a mutual, unidentified friend in a neighboring apartment unit.

Pullman Police officers confirmed and read the no-contact order states Olson will “not knowingly enter, remain, or come within 1,000 feet of the protected person’s residence, school, workplace or other.”

The order expires on July 9, 2026, according to reports.

Officer Leggett reported Officer Nathan Padrta was able to confirm Powers was in the apartment.

“Powers gave Officer Padrta and other officers permission to enter the residence to check for Olson,” Leggett reported, as Officer Jordan Shellabarger and Leggett positioned themselves at the rear of the apartment completely maintaining a line of sight on the back door and balcony.

Officer Padrta knocked, announcing himself at the front door as officers positioned in the back observed a male exit the back door and climb over the railing moments later.

Leggett reported the male as wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans.

“Officer Shellabarger shouted that we were Pullman Police and he needed to get down from the balcony,” Legget reported, identifying the male as Olson when he shined his flashlight at the male’s face.

Leggett reported Olson dropped to the ground and proceeded to evade officers when approached.

“Olson punched Officer Shellabarger in the face and was able to break free and run south from the balcony door,” Legget reported, stating that Olson ran towards Northeast Terre View Drive.

Leggett ran after Olson tackling him and wrapping both of his arms around Olson’s upper legs, he reported.

Olson was able to be subdued with assistance from officer Shellabarger and Pullman Officer Abby St. Andre who held his right arm and legs.

“Olson was told several times to stop resisting, however he did not,” Leggett reported, stating that Officer Shellabarger received scratches and injuries to his face from Olson hitting him.

Leggett reported he arrested Olson for violating a no-contact order, domestic violence, residential burglary, third-degree assault and resisting arrest.

According to public records, this is the ninth case against Olson in Superior Court. Olson faced one case against him in 2019, one in 2020, four in 2021 and two in 2022.

Olson was booked into the Whitman County Jail, Monday, Aug. 26 and is being held without bail through Superior Court.

Olson faces an arraignment 9 a.m., Friday, Aug. 30, in Superior Court.