The quiet of a Prescott, Arizona night shattered in the early hours of October 4th, just steps from the Yavapai County Courthouse. Witnesses reported a disturbing scene unfolding near Montezuma and Gurley Street – a woman openly urinating in public. The responding officers were unaware they were about to confront a figure of the local justice system.
Bodycam footage revealed Yavapai County Superior Court Judge Pro Tempore Kristyne Schaaf-Olson attempting to compose herself, pulling up her pants and quickly sitting on a nearby bench. The officer’s initial reaction, captured on video, was blunt: “This is disgusting.” The situation quickly escalated as attempts to identify the woman proved unexpectedly difficult.
Schaaf-Olson struggled to spell her own name when asked by the officer, a detail that added to the unfolding disbelief. The scene took another dramatic turn with the arrival of her husband, Jason Olson, the parks and recreation manager for the Town of Chino Valley. He immediately intervened, attempting to shield his wife from questioning.
Olson repeatedly defied police orders to step back, escalating the tension. When questioned about the incident, the officer stated he had witnessed Schaaf-Olson “puking and urinating, exposing herself to several people.” Olson vehemently denied the accusation, insisting it wasn’t her.
The situation spiraled into a physical confrontation as Olson continued to resist. An officer forcefully brought him to the ground, issuing a harsh command: “Get your a-- on the f---ing ground, dude.” Multiple officers then worked to restrain and handcuff Olson, radioing for backup: “515, we’re fighting.”
Schaaf-Olson herself was cited for a misdemeanor offense – public urination. Even as she faced the consequences, she identified herself to the officers, stating, “That’s fine. I want to let you know, my name is Judge Kristyne Olson.” She also struggled to sign the citation, pointing to the screen for assistance.
Jason Olson faced even more serious charges: resisting arrest, interfering with a crime scene investigation, and obstruction of government operations. The night’s events painted a chaotic and unsettling picture, involving a judge and her husband in a public disturbance.
Just days later, the Yavapai County Superior Court confirmed Schaaf-Olson’s resignation, effective October 31st. Her statement cited “current physical, medical and family circumstances” as the reason for her departure, acknowledging the need for judges who are “steadfast in their commitment to serving Yavapai County.”
Schaaf-Olson expressed doubt about her ability to fulfill that commitment given her personal challenges. She believed resigning was the most responsible course of action. Court dates have been set: Schaaf-Olson’s pre-trial conference is scheduled for December 16th, while Olson’s is on November 18th.
