Police arrest fleeing suspect, shoot passenger in the head

Carlsbad police arrested a motorist after he attempted to run over a Costa Mesa police officer in Carlsbad Thursday night. The driver’s passenger was shot in the head by police and is in critical condition. The driver received minor gunshot wounds, according to police.

Costa Mesa authorities approached Brian Olsen, 34, who was wanted for a parole violation, at his Carlsbad home about 7 p.m.

Olsen then drove his rented Chevrolet Tahoe toward the officers, striking the Costa Mesa officer, who received minor injuries. Officers shot at the vehicle, but Olsen was able to escape. He later crashed his vehicle into a pole.

The suspect then ran from the vehicle, leaving behind a female passenger. Esther Elizabeth Evans, 22, received a head wound from the shooting. She is in critical condition at Scripps Memorial in La Jolla, according to police.

Olsen was caught about 25 minutes later at a Carlsbad home and is being held without bail.

Carlsbad police are still investigating but indicated Olsen would likely be charged with assault with a deadly weapon.

— Daniel Tedford