Alleged arsonist faces arraignment Jan. 12

By Brian Gawley Olympic Peninsula News Group • January 10, 2024 5:45 pm

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, on Jan. 3 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. Friday, 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 last week.

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.

Photos courtesy of Clallam County Sheriff’s Office / David R. Burgess

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.