At Rest
A living memorial to lives lost to injustice, greed, and war.
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In loving memory
William J. “Bill” Olbert
United States · Aged 53 · Died 02/22/2009
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Deadly force
William J. "Bill" Olbert reportedly stabbed his estranged wife around 8:35 p.m. while she was working at Vriesland Country Store. Police said Olbert then fled to his home, disconnected a gas line and set several fires. Police trailed Olbert to the home and saw flames coming from the second story. Using flashlights, deputies looked in the windows and saw blood, police said, and entered the home in "stack" formation, with deputy Brent Brown taking the lead. According to police, they forced open a bathroom door to find Olbert kneeling on the floor by a pool of blood (they later learned he'd slit his wrists). Deputy Garry Fox told Olbert to show his hands, but he didn't comply. Olbert then began flailing his arms in circles, Sgt. Brian Buter said. Olbert allegedly stood up and charged toward Fox, who pushed him away, then turned and approached deputy Chad Klaver. Brown fired two shots, striking Olbert in the back, killing him.
Alleged responsible partyOttawa County Sheriff's OfficeReported by the cited sources. “Alleged” is used pending verification.
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