Haines City, FL – A Haines City High School teacher is facing termination after being arrested on drug charges late Tuesday evening, May 27, 2025. Shane Christopher Olson, a 54-year-old World History teacher at the school, was taken into custody by Winter Haven police officers for possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
The arrest occurred shortly after 10:00 p.m. when Winter Haven Police conducted a proactive patrol at Lyons Park, located at 800 Avenue L SW. The park was closed, as all city parks are from sunset to dawn, and officers spotted a red Toyota Prius parked in the area. Inside the vehicle, officers encountered Olson, who claimed he had pulled over to use his phone and avoid texting while driving.
According to police, Olson admitted to smoking something given to him by friends. Officers observed a pipe in his possession, and a field test confirmed the presence of methamphetamine. A subsequent search of his vehicle revealed additional drug paraphernalia, including a black bag containing two more pipes and a vial with a crystal-like substance, which also tested positive for meth.
Following his arrest, Olson was booked into the Polk County Jail on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
On Wednesday, Haines City High School sent a message to parents confirming Olson’s arrest and stating that Polk County Public Schools is initiating the termination process. “Given the nature of these charges, PCPS is moving forward with the process of terminating Olson’s employment,” the school said in its statement.
No further information about Olson’s employment history or previous conduct has been released at this time.
