Dave Dahl in Court
Dave Dahl last appeared before Judge Kirsten Thompson in Washington County Circuit Court October 31, 2014. Michael Lloyd/The Oregonian.
(Michael Lloyd)
Dave Dahl, the face of Dave's Killer Bread, is due in court Friday afternoon for a judge to determine whether he should go to the state hospital.
The 52-year-old is known for his rise from ex-con to cofounder of the Milwaukie-based bread empire that expanded nationwide with a distinctive label bearing his image.
In 2013, Dahl experienced a mental health crisis that culminated in his clash with Washington County sheriff's deputies one fall night.
Driving a black Cadillac Escalade, Dahl led deputies on a short chase and rammed a patrol car before they were able to pin the SUV, tangle with Dahl and finally handcuff him.
Nearly a year later, Circuit Judge Kirsten Thompson found Dahl guilty except for insanity on charges of two counts of third-degree assault and one count of unlawful use of a weapon, related to the crash.
The judgment does not count as a conviction. However, it does put Dahl within the jurisdiction of the state Psychiatric Security Review Board. Prosecutors say Dahl will be under the board's supervision for up to 15 years.
In what's known as a disposition hearing, the judge this afternoon is expected to decide whether to send Dahl to the state hospital or allow him to remain on conditional release. The hearing is set for 1:30 p.m.
-- Emily E. Smith
esmith@oregonian.com
503-294-4032; @emilyesmith