Fergus Falls Inmate Charged After Alleged Jail Escape
FERGUS FALLS, MN (northwestmnnow.com) — A 23-year-old inmate faces two new felony charges following an alleged escape attempt at the Otter Tail County Jail.
Cyrus Lee Olson is accused of assaulting a correctional officer while trying to escape custody on September 5, 2026.
Olson was already jailed on attempted murder charges linked to a separate incident in Perham earlier this year.
Inmate Accused of Pushing Past Jail Officer
According to a criminal complaint filed September 23, Fergus Falls police received an assault report around 5 p.m. September 5.
The complaint states that a correctional officer entered Olson’s cell area to collect his meal tray.
Olson allegedly refused to hand over the tray when asked.
The officer also instructed Olson to get dressed because he was unclothed and covered with a blanket.
When the officer attempted to retrieve the tray, Olson allegedly removed the blanket and rushed toward the officer.
Investigators say Olson pushed past the officer and ran from his cell toward the jail’s booking area.
The officer attempted to stop Olson, but he continued resisting, according to court records.
Officer Injured During Alleged Escape Attempt
The complaint states that Olson pulled the officer down a hallway toward an elevator.
He then turned around and ran back toward the booking area.
During the struggle, the officer fell onto the concrete floor and struck a knee.
Other correctional officers responded and eventually restrained Olson.
The officer later reported knee pain following the incident.
Investigators reviewed the circumstances surrounding the confrontation as part of the criminal investigation.
Olson Allegedly Admitted Trying to Escape
During a police interview, Olson reportedly acknowledged that he intended to escape from jail.
According to the complaint, Olson said he had spent 230 days in custody without being sentenced.
He also reported feeling depressed and discussed a previous mental health diagnosis.
When questioned about his actions, Olson allegedly told investigators he was trying to get away.
“I tried to escape from jail,” Olson reportedly told police.
Olson later stated that he did not intend to hurt the correctional officer.
However, he acknowledged intending to escape, according to the criminal complaint.
Olson Already Facing Attempted Murder Charges
Olson was previously charged in February 2026 following an alleged attack at a rehabilitation center in Perham.
The earlier case involved allegations that Olson attacked a woman staying at the same facility.
He faces six charges in that case, including first-degree attempted murder and attempted criminal sexual conduct.
His bail in the earlier case was set at $500,000 cash.
The attempted murder case remains pending, according to the information provided.
New Felony Charges Filed in Otter Tail County
The latest complaint adds felony assault of a correctional officer and attempted escape allegations.
Olson remains in custody at the Otter Tail County Jail in Fergus Falls.
Additional court information can be found through Minnesota Court Records Online.
The charges are allegations. Olson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m David Keller reporting for Northwest MN Now News.
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