Law Enforcement Continues Search for Suspect After High-Speed Pursuit Sheriff Urges Caution as Multi-County Search Continues

Churchill County Sheriff Richard Hickox is urging residents to remain cautious as multiple law enforcement agencies continue to search for a suspect involved in a high-speed pursuit through Fallon last week.

Just before 9 p.m. on October 21, dispatchers reported that Mineral County Sheriff’s deputies and Walker River Tribal Police were pursuing a black Corvette traveling at extreme speeds northbound toward Churchill County.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, Churchill County deputies positioned along U.S. 95 South prepared to deploy tire deflation devices but were unable to confirm the vehicle’s location in time. The suspect vehicle was later observed traveling more than 100 miles per hour through Fallon, evading an attempted spike strip deployment near Drumm Lane.

Witnesses reported seeing the Corvette run a red light at Williams Avenue and Taylor Street, where it was clocked at approximately 130 mph. The vehicle was later found abandoned in a dirt area near Venturacci and Coleman Lanes, after a tip from a concerned citizen who saw it turn off Colorado Lane.

The driver fled on foot and was not located despite an extensive search involving the Churchill County Sheriff’s Office, Fallon Police Department, Nevada Highway Patrol, Mineral County Sheriff’s Office, and Walker River Tribal Police. One man found hiding in the area was arrested on unrelated warrants.

Authorities identified the suspected driver as 19-year-old Joshua James Olsen, described as 5 feet 11 inches tall, about 180 pounds, with a shaved head, brown eyes, and light brown facial hair. Olsen is wanted in connection with “numerous cases around the nation” and has outstanding warrants in several states, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

At press time Friday, Sheriff Hickox confirmed that the search remains active.

“We would urge the public to be cautious as we did in our post,” Hickox said. “The person we believe to be the driver has a criminal history that includes violence. Our efforts and those of other jurisdictions to locate him are continuing.”

The Sheriff’s Office asks anyone who sees Olsen or has information about his whereabouts not to approach him, but to contact the Churchill County Sheriff’s Office or Fallon Police Department immediately.