File photo, AbbyPD. (Image Credit: AbbyPD.)
Arson suspect arrested

34-year-old school arson suspect arrested: Abbotsford PD

Apr 24, 2026 | 12:56 PM

ABBOTSFORD – Police in Abbotsford have arrested a 34-year-old suspect in connection with an arson at a school in Abbotsford, and continue to investigate two other arsons that happened within the span of a week.

According to a statement from Abbotsford PD spokesperson Sgt. Paul Walker, two separate fires were intentionally set at Bakerview Centre for Learning during the overnight hours of April 13 and 15. A third fire subsequently occurred on Friday, April 17, when a portable classroom at Godson Elementary School was set ablaze.

Sgt. Walker says the Abbotsford Police Department’s Major Crime Unit (MCU) took conduct of these investigations, supported by AbbyPD’s Patrol Division, General Investigative Section, and Forensic Identification Section.

Their collective efforts paid off earlier this week. On Wednesday afternoon, Apr. 22, Major Crime Unit detectives teamed up with the AbbyPD’s Crime Reduction Unit and Gang Crime Unit to arrest 34-year-old Jessie Olson. He has since been formally charged with arson in relation to the April 13 incident, as well as breach of a release order stemming from his arrest on April 22.

Sgt. Walker says Olson remains in custody, and the remaining two arson incidents remain under investigation.

“This investigation remains a priority for AbbyPD, given the impact incidents of this nature can have on students, families, and school staff,” Sgt. Walker said. “AbbyPD remains committed to working closely with schools and partners to ensure students feel safe and supported in their learning environments, and to respond quickly to incidents that threaten their sense of safety.”

The Abbotsford Police file is 2026-15480