After a one-day trial in District Court, a Cowlitz County jury returned guilty verdicts for the crimes of Negligent Driving in the First Degree and Reckless Driving.   

Based upon the evidence presented, the jury found that David Burch, 34 years of age, on October 11, 2025, negligently drove his motor vehicle in the 3800-4300 block of Columbia Heights Road, in a manner that was likely to endanger persons or property, while exhibiting effects of having consumed alcohol.  Further, the jury found that during the incident while law enforcement was attempting to pull him over, he drove his vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.  Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Alex Panutich represented the State at trial.  The case was investigated by the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office.   

The sentencing hearing was held on January 13, 2026.  The Court imposed a sentence of 3 days of community service for each conviction, totaling 48 hours.  The Court further ordered Burch to complete a victim impact panel and a defensive driving course.