Grand Island man gets 25 to life for role in crash that killed teen

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A Grand Island man was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison on Tuesday morning for his role in a crash that killed a teenager and injured four others, the Erie County District Attorney's Office announced.

Ronald F. Olson, II, 44, approached an occupied Jeep Liberty parked at a gas station around 5 a.m. on March 20, 2023 on Main Street near Winspear in Buffalo to sell clothing. The Jeep then exited the parking lot and continued onto Main St. after the encounter.

Olson chased after the Jeep in his Chevrolet Silverado, believing the occupants had stolen the clothing he was trying to sell. He hit the driver's side of the Jeep with his truck, causing it to veer off the roadway, hit a light pole and then hit a tree.

The driver, 18-year-old Jarel Buchanan, died at the scene. Four other male passengers, a 17-year-old, two 18-year-olds and a 19-year-old, survived but suffered serious physical injuries.

Olson was found guilty in June of one count of second-degree murder, four counts of first-degree assault, and five counts of second-degree assault. He received the maximum sentence on Tuesday.