UTAH COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) — A Genola man was arrested on Thursday after attempting to stab a Santaquin police officer to death, according to Santaquin Police.
Timothy Olesen, 23, was arrested in Utah County on aggravated murder (first-degree felony), two counts of assault on a peace officer (second-degree felony), manufacture/distribution of a controlled substance (third-degree felony), among a slew of other charges.
At around 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 23, Santaquin Police responded to a domestic violence incident on the 100 East block of 400 South in Genola, Utah. The caller reportedly stated that Olesen was having a fight with his parents, but that it had not turned physical.
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Upon police arrival, Olesen’s father reportedly stated that Olesen was acting aggressively and that he had been trying to kick Olesen out of the house after being fed up with Olesen’s behavior. Olesen’s father said Olesen had been verbally screaming prior to police arrival.
While at the scene, Olesen allegedly made a 911 call regarding an injury to his body. Police responded and began calling out to Olesen but did not receive a response. Officers began to “ascend a steep staircase approximately three feet wide towards the door leading into Timothy’s apartment,” arrest documents state. “The staircase had a fixed metal railing going up the stairs and around the 3’ by 3’ landing at the top with a door to the bedroom.”
One officer was located at the top landing when Olesen “jumped out of the apartment door holding a blue steak knife” and “stabbed [the officer] in the chest approximately three times leaving multiple noticeable puncture holes through the officers outer carrier uniform which contains his ballistic vest, through the inner liner, and into a one inch thick trauma plate penetrating it approximately one quarter inch.”
The officer reportedly described the force as similar to being punched by an adult male in the chest, and that he could “hear a loud popping sound” with each strike. After the stabbing, Olesen ran back inside and officers descended the staircase.
Shortly after, Olesen exited and stood at the top landing, where he allegedly threw the knife towards officers who were close to the bottom of the staircase. Olesen again retreated inside before coming outside and “screaming and yelling extremely loud and aggressively at officers,” the affidavit states.
Olesen again barricaded himself inside the residence and an hours-long standoff ensued before officers were eventually able to negotiate with him to have him exit the residence and surrender. Olesen was taken into custody and transferred to the hospital. Olesen reportedly told medical personnel that he had been drinking large amounts of alcohol.
Police found over 5,000 grams of marijuana and multiple paraphernalia items consistent with drug distribution inside Olesen’s apartment.
Olesen was booked into Utah County Jail on the charges previously stated. No further information is available at this time.
Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.