1st published Nov. 16, 2013
PORTLAND -- The co-founder of Dave's Killer Bread was arrested late Thursday evening after reportedly acting strangely in a home before wrecking with three cruisers from the Washington County Sheriff's Office.
David James Dahl, 50, of Milwaukie, was accused of second-degree assault, assaulting a police officer, attempting to elude a police officer, resisting arrest, criminal mischief and reckless driving.His bail was set at $290,000.
Dahl has lived a storied life that included a 15-year term in prison for drug possession, burglary, assault and armed robbery.His story of redemptionas founder of a successful bread company is part of the allure of his line of organic bread first introduced at the Portland Farmer's Market in 2005.
The incident began about 10 p.m. when a Cedar Hills woman called 911 to report a disturbance in the 2400 block of SW Timberline Drive, according to a sheriff's office spokesman. The caller said her friend was acting erratically and she needed help.
Arriving deputies saw a black Cadillac Escalade leaving. The driver struck one of the police cruisers head-on before its emergency lights had been activated.
At Southwest Scenic Drive and Scenic Court, Dahl allegedly struck another patrol car head-on, backing up to strike it a second time. A third patrol car then had to ram the Cadillac to pin the vehicle between the two cruisers to stop the pursuit.
Dahl was then pulled from the vehicle, fighting with officers who had to use a Taser. Three deputies and Dahl were taken to the hospital for treatment and released, police said.
Police said Dahl had alcohol in his system but was not over the legal limit. More details could be released if a toxicology report is make public, which is unlikely, deputies from the Washington County Sheriff's Office said.
The morning of the incident, Milwaukie police were dispatched to the bakery about 11:30 a.m. on a call about an unwanted person identified as Dahl.
Dahl reportedly entered the business, verbally intimidated employees, and punched a display board before leaving the property, according to Ulli Neitch with Milwaukie police.
"We're very scared. He seems like he is a danger to himself and others," the 911 caller is heard saying. "He's a big man. He's a big guy. He's having a breakdown...He went into the store and he smashed a life-sized cut out of himself because it is the symbol of the brand and he is intimidating employees that are watching him."
Dahl was reportedly across the street in the parking lot of Bob's Red Mill acting erratically. When officers approached his vehicle, Dahl drove off, police said.
Company CEO John Tucker directed requests for comments to Dahl's attorney Stephen Houze.
Houze is one of the state's best-known criminal defense attorneys. He recently was hired by ex-Duck football player Colt Lyerla, who was arrested for cocaine possession, and by Kyron Horman's stepmother Terri Moulton Horman.
Tucker told KGW he hoped that Dahl was getting the help he needs. The company hopes all involved are OK, he said.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to all involved," Tucker said.
Dahl's nephew, Shobi Dahl, a co-founder with his uncle, said the company business would continue.
In December of 2012, New York equity firm Goode Partners purchased a 50-percent stake in Dave's Killer Bread to help the company expand into new markets around the country, including Texas, Colorado and Illinois.
Dahl recently created a YouTube video about his company and legacy.
