Kings County Sheriff's deputy tragically takes his own life in Kern County

According to Robinson, the sheriff’s department became aware of Olson’s off duty mental health issues. During the crisis, Robinson said that the department located his cell phone in Kern County and efforts were made to provide help and intervene.

Kern County California Highway Patrol officers and the Kern County Sheriff’s Office located him and conducted a traffic stop to check on his welfare. Immediately upon making the stop, Deputy Olson shockingly took his own life.

Kern County CHP and the Kern County Sheriff’s Office are investigating with the Kings County Sheriff’s Department's full cooperation.

According to Robinson’s statement, “Deputy Olson worked for us for six years and had four prior years in the United States Marine Corps. He was a hardworking employee and had numerous recognitions in a short career. He was our peace officer of the year for the American Legion in 2015, spent four years working on our SWAT team, and had been awarded a department Silver Star Medal for his heroic efforts in breaking up a burglary in progress, off duty when the suspect tried to assault him for intervening,” stated Robinson. 

Deputy Olson had numerous other recognitions and commendations as well.

Deputy Olson is survived by his wife of 10 years and their five-year-old son. “We are saddened by the outcome of these events and have brought in peer counselors for members of our agency,” said Robinson. “We are also working with his wife and family to help them get through this tragedy.”