Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 43-year-old Ronald F. Olson, II of Grand Island was arraigned this morning before State Supreme Court Justice Paul B. Wojtaszek on an indictment charging him with one count of Murder in the Second Degree (Class “A-I” felony), five counts of Assault in the First Degree (Class “B” violent felonies) and five counts of Assault in the Second Degree (Class “D” felonies).
It is alleged that on Monday, March 20, 2023, at approximately 5:00 a.m., the defendant approached an occupied Jeep Liberty, which was parked at a gas station on Main Street near Winspear Avenue in the City of Buffalo. The defendant was allegedly trying to sell items of clothing to the occupants of the Jeep.
The defendant allegedly chased after the Jeep, while driving his Chevrolet Silverado, southbound on Main Street, believing that the occupants had driven off with items that he was attempting to sell. The defendant’s truck allegedly hit the driver’s side of the Jeep near the intersection of Benwood Avenue. The defendant’s alleged actions caused the Jeep to veer off of the roadway, hit a light pole then hit a tree.
The driver of the Jeep Liberty, 18-year-old Jarel Buchanan, died at the scene. The four passengers, a 17-year-old male, two 18-year-old males and one 19-year-old male, were seriously injured, but survived.
Olson was held without bail. A return court date has not been scheduled at this time.
If convicted of the highest charge, Olson faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
DA Flynn commends Detective Mark White and the Buffalo Police Department Accident Investigation Unit for their work in this investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Chief Paul J. Glascott of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.