Olson Search Widens: Chico Police Investigating Town Sightings

Chico Police Chief Kirk Trostle said his investigators will follow up on any "credible" lead generated by a widespread social media-driven search for Lafayette resident Brett Olson, and that the 20-year-old's iPhone has been recovered and is being analyzed.

Speaking at a press conference Saturday, Trostle said the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo theatrical arts student's cell phone was found at "an undisclosed location" by a family friend. A forensic analysis of the phone's data card is underway. 

Trostle said that his department would be sharing any leads or information with the Glenn County Sheriff’s department, currently the lead agency in a search for Olson centered along the Sacramento River, but that he didn't want to give any "false hope" that Olson may not be in the river.

In a note to Olson's friends, many of whom have traveled to Chico to independently follow up on leads generated through a social media website created to spread word of the student's disappearance, Michael Olson wrote:

"You all continually renergize my wife and me. We are following up with the Chico police department on all the online activity...and there is a lot. The City of Chico police department is now fully engaged in the search for Brett. We met with the Chief of police and his staff yesterday evening. Keep the faith and thank you all so much."

Search and rescue teams continue to scan the stretch of the Sacramento River where Olson was last seen a week ago today. They have used boats, helicopters equipped with infra-red heat-sensing equipment and underwater cameras -- but no trace of Olson has been found.

Volunteers have set up an email address for information at findbrett@ci.chico.ca.us and continue to help authorities in the search for Olson. A reward fund of $50,000 has been established for information leading to the Acalanes High School graduate's safe return.

Olson's friends handed out fliers on the corner of Broadway and Third streets in Chico, canvassed residents on Nord and Mangrove avenues, and have even handed out fliers in the area's homeless encampments.

Information or tips should be reported to the Chico Police Department at 530-897-4900.