Volusia County, FL – A Florida father is facing a felony charge after police say he confronted and threatened the man who allegedly sold a THC vape cartridge to his 15-year-old daughter, setting off a chaotic encounter that ended with a vehicle crash and a criminal investigation.
Authorities say 40-year-old Alan Olson took matters into his own hands after discovering messages between his daughter and the alleged seller. Instead of alerting law enforcement, investigators report that Olson staged a fake meetup at a Circle K gas station in Volusia County, where he arrived armed with what the victim described as a silver and black Glock-style handgun.
How the Confrontation Began
Police say Olson had just returned home with his daughter on November 16 when he noticed she was acting “weird and funny.” After she asked for money and walked to the nearby Circle K, she returned behaving the same way. Olson confronted her, and she allegedly admitted she had purchased a THC cartridge.
Reviewing her phone, Olson reportedly found messages with the suspected dealer. Instead of contacting authorities, he allegedly texted the man from his own phone, posing as a buyer and arranging a meetup.
The Circle K Encounter
According to the arrest affidavit, the alleged dealer pulled into the Circle K and noticed a silver Chevrolet Colorado park behind him. When he approached the truck, Olson began questioning him about knowing his daughter before allegedly revealing the handgun resting on his lap.
Police say Olson threatened to kill the man if he refused to drive home so Olson could speak to his parents. Terrified, the alleged dealer ran back to his vehicle and sped off.
Crash After the Escape
As he fled the scene, the man reportedly blew through a red light in panic, striking an unrelated motorist. Investigators say Olson taunted him from across the roadway, still believing Olson was armed.
The affidavit states that the victim “was in fear for his life” and only then contacted police. Officers confirmed he appeared distraught and “anxious” during the initial interview.
What Police Say Happened Next
After witnessing the crash, Olson allegedly returned home in distress, suffering what his wife described as a panic attack. She told police she placed a “cold, damp cloth” on him to calm him down. The couple discussed the incident and concluded he had nothing to do with the crash, so they didn’t call law enforcement.
However, when their daughter received a message warning that “her father was going to jail for a long time,” Olson and his wife decided to drive to the Circle K to speak with police. Deputies stopped them before they arrived.
Sheriff Chitwood’s Warning to Parents
Volusia County Sheriff Michael Chitwood criticized Olson’s actions, urging parents to call authorities instead of escalating situations involving teens and drugs.
“The ideal thing would be to call us,” Sheriff Chitwood said in a statement. “Then you would not be going to jail for brandishing a firearm and threatening to shoot somebody. I get it. I understand the anger, but that is not how you do business.”
Witnesses Describe Intense Police Response
A nearby barber who observed the aftermath told reporters that officers rushed to the area from multiple directions.
“When the cops came in, they came in from everywhere. We could see it from the window. Somebody done messed up,” the witness said.
Charges and Upcoming Court Date
Olson was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a felony under Florida law. He was released Monday after posting bail and is scheduled for arraignment on December 18, according to court documents.
Safety Concerns Over Teen THC Use
Incidents like this highlight growing concerns over underage access to THC vapes, which law enforcement agencies across Florida say are becoming increasingly common. Officials warn parents to watch for symptoms such as sudden mood changes, unusual behaviour, and secrecy involving phones or money.
Advice for Parents Facing Similar Situations
While emotions can run high, authorities stress that attempting a confrontation yourself can lead to unpredictable and dangerous outcomes. Instead, they encourage parents to:
- Contact local law enforcement immediately
- Preserve any text messages or evidence
- Speak openly with teens about substance risks
Conclusion
This case underscores the dangerous consequences when private confrontations escalate, especially with firearms involved. Law enforcement continues investigating the incident and the alleged THC seller’s actions.
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