Dave’s Killer Bread founder rams patrol cars, held after chase

HILLSBORO, Ore. – The founder of Dave’s Killer Bread, David Dahl, was arrested after a disturbance and chase that wrecked three patrol cars, the Washington County sheriff’s office said.

Dahl had been recognized for turning his life around after spending 15 years in prison. He returned to the family baking business and developed the Milwaukie bakery that makes organic whole-grain breads.

Deputies were called to a Cedar Hills home about 10 p.m. Thursday by a woman who said her friend was acting erratically. As they arrived, Dahl’s black Cadillac Escalade rammed a patrol car head-on. He rammed a second patrol car head-on and was pinned by another deputy’s car before he was taken into custody with the use of a Taser, the sheriff’s office said.

Dahl, 50, of Milwaukie, was jailed on charges that include assaulting a police officer, resisting arrest and reckless driving. Three deputies also were treated for minor injuries.

Earlier Thursday, police went to the company’s Milwaukie bakery on a report that Dahl was “causing issues with employees,” said Ulli Nietch, a police spokeswoman. She said Dahl drove away as an officer arrived and was not questioned.

The “Dave’s Story” page on the company website describes Dahl as a four-time loser who was arrested on violations including drug possession, burglary, assault and armed robbery that landed him in prison for a total of 15 years.

“During his last sentence, he realized that his path was one of destruction. With a newfound desire to make a positive impact in the world, Dave returned to the family business,” the website says.

Since starting Dave’s Killer Bread in 2005, the company has grown from 30 employees to nearly 300. Nearly a third are ex-cons, the website says. The company sells 12 varieties of bread in 16 Western states.