Havasu Man Fights Back: Appeals Against Burglary and Vehicle Theft Charges

A Lake Havasu City man found himself in serious legal trouble after his arrest last December. Jacob R. Olson, 25, was sentenced to 14 years in prison on multiple felony charges. These charges include unlawful use of a means of transportation, first-degree criminal trespassing, second-degree burglary, unlawful flight from law enforcement, and a misdemeanor count of reckless driving.

Olson represented himself in Mohave Superior Court, with advisory counsel from Mohave County Public Defender John Gillenwater. He filed a notice of appeal on July 17, following his conviction. Judge Derek Carlisle informed Olson that he would need to choose whether to continue representing himself or seek professional legal counsel for his appeal. If Olson wishes to represent himself, he will need permission from the state’s appellate court.

The events leading to Olson’s arrest began on December 22. Olson allegedly entered a garage on Clarke Drive and implied he was armed by placing a hand in his waistband. He then reportedly informed the homeowner that he was going to “borrow” the victim’s truck for the evening.

Olson left the scene in the victim’s 2022 Dodge Ram. The homeowner contacted law enforcement, informing them that a .40 caliber handgun and multiple magazines of ammunition were inside the vehicle. Officers used the truck’s tracking system to locate it at the 2600 block of Kiowa Boulevard. The vehicle was later found on the 2700 block of Poseidon Drive.

When approached by law enforcement with weapons drawn, Olson initially appeared to comply but then sped away. This prompted a chase during which Olson reportedly traveled at over 60 miles per hour on South Palo Verde Boulevard, even turning off the vehicle’s lights at one point.

Approximately half an hour later, a Papeete Drive resident reported a man matching Olson’s description had entered his property. Officers discovered the stolen vehicle parked nearby. Olson was eventually found hiding under covered furniture behind a home on Empress Lane. He refused to comply with officers’ orders until they threatened to shoot him.

Olson was taken into custody with an initial bond set at $250,000. State records indicate he was admitted to the Alhambra Reception wing of the Arizona State Prison Complex in Phoenix on Wednesday. If his appeal is unsuccessful, Olson will not be eligible for release until October 2035.