New details describe traffic stop that ended with arrest of bank robbery suspect
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IDAHO FALLS — A man suspected of a Pocatello bank robbery was arrested Friday after being pulled over following multiple traffic concerns.
Rulon Olson, 34, is charged with felony attempting to flee or elude a police officer in a motor vehicle, felony injury to a child, and felony battery on a law enforcement officer.
Court documents say on Friday at 10:20 a.m., an Idaho State Police officer saw a black Mazda driving east on U.S. Highway 20 near Old Butte Road. In reports, the officer writes that as the Mazda drove past them, it sounded “as if something was dragging under the car.”
The officer says they noticed a black piece of plastic near the front passenger tire dragging on the road.
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As the Mazda approached the intersection, it reportedly “abruptly changed lanes from the right lane into a right turn lane without signaling.”
The officer initiated a traffic stop and identified the driver as Olson. According to the officer, Olson “appeared to be scanning the environment in front of him, avoiding eye contact,” and his hands were trembling.
Olson reportedly stated he was on parole for marijuana and other controlled substances and said his license was suspended. He then allegedly told the officer he was on his way to meet his parole officer.
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The officer then identified a woman in the passenger seat. According to police reports, the officer “observed her hands to be shaking to the point she appeared to struggle removing her identification card from the wallet.” The woman was not charged related to this incident.
In the backseat, the officer saw a child in a front-facing booster seat with his harness buckled.
The officer returned to their police car and requested a K9 to be brought to the traffic stop. Dispatch then informed the officer that Olson had an active felony warrant in Bannock County for robbery.
Olson is a suspect in a bank robbery of the Mountain America Credit Union on Nov. 7 in Pocatello. Police are still looking for the second suspect. Read more about the alleged robbery here.
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A Bonneville County Sheriff sergeant responded to the traffic stop to assist, and officers told Olson to turn the car off, but he reportedly looked around and then sped south on Old Butte Road.
Officers drove after Olson, who eventually crashed into one of the Idaho State Police cars that was pursuing him. Police reports say the police cruiser had “scratches on the side” and a “bent push bumper”. Troopers then tried to conduct a PIT maneuver to stop Olson, but failed.
Olson turned north into a parking lot towards 3004 Pancheri Drive, then turned right and began driving west in a field. Court documents say he crossed Old Butte Road and began speeding through a large field. Officers tried to conduct a PIT maneuver again, and this time, Olson’s car veered to the left and became high-centered on an embankment.
Officers detained the woman in the car, and Olson reportedly tried to run, but was taken into custody shortly after.
The woman was soon released and reunited with the child that was in the Mazda.
Olson was taken to Idaho Falls Community Hospital for medical clearance and then booked into the Bonneville County Jail on a $40,000 bond.
He is expected to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on Dec. 6. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison. He has not yet been charged in connection to the bank robbery.
Though Olson has been charged with these crimes, it does not necessarily mean he committed them. Everyone is presumed innocent until they are proven guilty.