- Volusia County, Florida, father Alan Olson was arrested after allegedly setting up a Circle K meetup with the man accused of selling his 15-year-old daughter a THC vape cartridge.
- Police say Olson brandished a Glock-style handgun, threatened to kill the man, and tried to force him to drive away with him.
- The alleged victim fled, ran a red light, and crashed into another vehicle before escaping on foot, according to authorities.
- Olson faces aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charges that could bring prison time and possible firearm-enhanced penalties, and the sheriff warned against vigilantism.
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The case involving Alan Olson illustrates both the risks of taking law into one’s own hands and the fine line between protecting loved ones and committing a serious crime. Under Florida law, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon is clearly implicated when a person threatens another while armed, even if no physical harm occurs; what matters is a credible threat, possession or display of a deadly weapon, and causing fear in the victim.
In this case, authorities allege that Olson met the alleged dealer under false pretenses (posing as a buyer), displayed a handgun in his lap, and issued threats including “if you don’t drive with me,” and “if you don’t obey, I’ll kill you.” These actions—if proven—meet the statutory elements for aggravated assault, particularly the deadly‐weapon component and the fear induced in the alleged victim.
Penalties in Florida for aggravated assault with a firearm are steep, especially when a firearm is used, brandished, or threatened: the “10-20-Life” law can trigger mandatory minimums (10 years for gun possession during a forcible felony) and up to life if the gun is discharged and an injury or death results. Even absent enhancement, the third‐degree felony classification exposes Olson to up to five years imprisonment, fines up to $5,000, and five years probation.
Sheriff Chitwood’s comments reflect policy concerns: law enforcement encourages reporting incidents through legal channels, as taking unilateral action—even with sympathetic motives—can lead to criminal exposure. Olson’s case underscores these consequences. The arraignment is scheduled for December 18, 2025, representing a critical milestone when formal charges are addressed.
Open questions remain: how solid the evidence is regarding brandishing and threats; whether law enforcement or prosecutors will seek enhancement under 10-20-Life; whether Olson may raise defenses such as self-defense, lack of intent, or evidentiary issues; and how this case might influence similar parental vigilantism scenarios.
Supporting Notes
- Alan Olson was arrested in Volusia County, Florida, after confronting a man alleged to have sold a THC vape cartridge to his 15-year-old daughter; the confrontation involved a staged meetup at a Circle K gas station.
- Olson allegedly threatened to kill the man, brandished a handgun (silver and black, potentially a Glock 9 mm), and demanded the alleged dealer drive home to speak with Olson’s parents.
- The victim reported being “in fear for his life,” fled, ran a red light, and crashed into another vehicle while escaping.
- Olson’s wife allegedly corroborated that Olson had a panic attack after returning home and declined to contact police immediately; later, after a message from the alleged dealer saying Olson would be jailed, they attempted to return to the gas station but were pulled over.
- Sheriff Michael Chitwood stated, “I get it. I understand the anger was there, but that is not how you do business; that’s how you get yourself in more trouble,” advising that calling law enforcement would be the ideal route.
- Florida law defines aggravated assault with a deadly weapon as a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years probation or prison and fines up to $5,000; brandishing a firearm and threatening someone can meet the legal standard even without firing the weapon.
- Mandatory minimum sentencing under Florida’s “10-20-Life” statute may apply when firearms are involved during aggravated assault.
- Olson was released on bail and scheduled to be arraigned on December 18, 2025.