Detroit's 'most wanted' nabbed in WA by detectives

Detroit's MOST WANTED arrested in WA after 6 years

A convicted sex offender, on the run since 2018 for crimes committed in Michigan, was arrested in Burien, Washington. David Rose reports on the case and next steps for law enforcement.

BURIEN, Wash. - Cory Alan Olson, a fugitive sex offender and Detroit's "Most Wanted" since 2018, was captured by King County Sheriff's detectives in Burien.

Olson, who had been evading law enforcement while living in the area, was using various aliases.

The body-worn camera footage shown below captures the arrest of Olson by law enforcement.

Body cam video of WA foot pursuit for Detroit's 'most wanted'

An attempted police stop resulted in Cory Olson pushing a sergeant and fleeing on foot, only to be caught shortly after by Detective Riley Myklebust, who had trailed him in a minivan.

"I love the find me puzzle," said Detective Riley Myklebust, who played a pivotal role in Olson's capture. During his investigation into identity theft charges, Myklebust encountered significant challenges.

"After about a week of looking through 10 plus addresses, years of records, I couldn't figure out who this guy was, and that was a hint, because usually I can figure it out."

Olson had been posing as "Randall," a name belonging to an actual McDonald's employee in Kansas, whose identity was compromised as Olson worked temp jobs in Washington state. It was Kansas authorities who alerted Washington officials after the real victim was questioned about unpaid taxes on income earned elsewhere, leading to a deeper investigation.

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King County prosecutors have charged Cory Olson, "Detroit's Most Wanted," with 8 counts of fraud. (King County Sheriff's Office)

Just as Olson's true identity became more elusive, he was spotted by detectives getting into his car at a new job in Burien. An attempted police stop resulted in Olson pushing a sergeant and fleeing, only to be caught shortly after by Myklebust, who had trailed him in a minivan.

Ultimately, fingerprints revealed Olson’s identity, which he refused to admit even when presented with irrefutable evidence.

"What did he say? He wouldn't give it up," Myklebust noted.

Olson’s past is marred with serious offenses, including the sexual assault of a teenage girl and evading arrest by injuring a deputy in a car crash. After he was charged in 2017 with another sexual assault against a person with special needs,the convicted sex offender fled from the Detroit area.

At his arraignment in King County Superior Court for Identity Theft, Criminal Impersonation and multiple counts of Forgery, Olson’s attorney argued for our camera not to show his face, which was upheld by Judge Andrea Robertson.

However, detectives want the public to see his face due to his history of repeating predatory behaviors. "We just want to make sure someone isn't out there who is a victim of a crime and we are unaware of it," said Myklebust.

Olson was known to frequent karaoke bars, presenting himself as a military man and a wealthy investor, and often targeted women with teenage daughters.

Detectives say he frequented Issaquah, downtown Seattle, Puyallup and Olympia, using several names other than Randall, such as Josiah, Payton and Nikko, with the last names Arb or Cadaa often used.

Olson's known aliases

He also used social media accounts under the names Cadaabug and Caadabug and may have contacted minors on Snapchat as well.

"We just want to make sure we doing what we can to tell the public that this guy was here and if you are victim of a crime in this instance, please come forward and we'd be happy to get you resources or talk about your case," said Myklebust.

Anyone with potential information or claims regarding Cory Olson is urged to report to the SeaTac Police at (206) 296-3311or provide information through the P3 Tips mobile app or at p3tips.com, making sure to include your name and contact information.

You can also email Det. Myklebust at Riley.Myklebust@Kingcounty.gov