PORT ANGELES — A Sequim man who already faced arraignment on four felonies in connection with an alleged assault and motor vehicle theft was charged with three more felonies, including arson, Wednesday in Clallam County Superior Court.
David R. Burgess, 40, was charged with one count of first-degree arson, a Class A felony; one count of second-degree arson and one count of intimidating a witness, both Class B felonies.
He faces arraignment on those charges at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 12.
Burgess also faces arraignment Jan. 12 on charges of second-degree assault strangulation—domestic violence, second-degree assault with a deadly weapon, harassment (threats to kill) and theft of a motor vehicle.
Burgess remained in the Clallam County jail in lieu of $420,000 bail. No additional bail was imposed on Wednesday. If he makes bail, Burgess is prohibited from contacting the alleged assault victim for five years or owning or possessing a firearm.
The chain of events began when deputies were dispatched on the evening of Dec. 23 to a reported assault in the 800 block of Youngquist Road. Burgess fled the scene and deputies were unable to locate him.
Then deputies and firefighters were called to investigate a reported assault and suspected arson at 916 Hooker Road in Carlsborg on Dec. 27.
According to a Clallam County Sheriff’s press release, witnesses said Burgess set the house on fire while it was occupied as well as a vehicle and then fled into the woods. The house’s occupant escaped unharmed. No one was hurt.
Burgess fled again the next morning on Palo Alto Road in a stolen 2006 Mazda 6. He was arrested at 8 p.m. Dec. 28 when, following a brief foot pursuit, he surrendered to deputies after being warned of intended stun gun deployment.
Burgess already had been subject to conditions of release for two earlier cases, second-degree malicious and fourth degree assault, which occurred Nov. 25. The court ordered Burgess released on Dec. 13 based in part upon his promise to undergo drug and alcohol treatment.
A Class A felony is punishable by up to life imprisonment and/or a $50,000 fine. A Class B felony is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a $20,000 fine.
The assault charges and motor vehicle theft charge are Class B felonies, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a $20,000 fine. The harassment charge is a Class C felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.
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Reporter Brian Gawley can be reached at Brian.Gawley@peninsuladailynews.com.
