(WNY News Now) – Buffalo – A Grand Island man has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for causing a fatal crash that killed an 18-year-old driver and left four passengers seriously injured.
44-year-old Ronald F. Olson, II, from Grand Island, was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison by Erie County Court Judge James Bargnesi. Olson was convicted of causing a high-speed crash that killed 18-year-old Jarel Buchanan and seriously injured four passengers.
The incident occurred on March 20, 2023, at around 5:00 a.m. when Olson, believing the occupants of a Jeep Liberty had taken clothing he was trying to sell, chased them through the streets of Buffalo. Olson, driving a Chevrolet Silverado, pursued the Jeep at a dangerous speed. His actions led to the Jeep veering off Main Street, striking a light pole, and crashing into a tree near Benwood Avenue.
Buchanan, the driver of the Jeep, was pronounced dead at the scene. The passengers—three teenage males aged 17, 18, and 19—suffered severe injuries, with one victim left paralyzed.
After a five-day trial in June 2024, a jury found Olson guilty on multiple counts, including Murder in the Second Degree and multiple counts of Assault in the First and Second Degrees. The jury deliberated for eight hours before delivering a unanimous verdict.
During sentencing, Judge Bargnesi emphasized the gravity of Olson’s actions, noting the irreversible consequences of his reckless behavior. Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane echoed these sentiments, stating that Olson’s impulsive decision had destroyed multiple lives.
“This defendant’s reckless actions resulted in the death of one young man, paralyzed another victim and seriously injured three other teenagers. The family and friends of Jarel Buchanan and the surviving victims continue to be traumatized by this crime. I hope that they feel that justice has been served by this defendant being convicted of all charges and sentenced to the maximum term of incarceration for each count of the indictment,” Keane stated.
The investigation was conducted by Detective Mark White and the Buffalo Police Department’s Accident Investigation Unit. The case was prosecuted by Chief Paul J. Glascott of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Nicholas Marino of the Felony Trials Bureau.
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