By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – Chehalis police are asking for the public’s help in finding a Centralia car salesman wanted for allegedly intimidating a witness against him in his upcoming assault trial.
[1]John I. Burkett
Police began investigating suspected witness intimidation by 40-year-old John Burkett after interviewing several witnesses in the case, according to the Chehalis Police Department.
Sgt. Brian Hickey said this morning police contacted Burkett on Friday who said he would turn himself in, but did not.
A warrant has been issued for his arrest.
Burkett, a Winlock resident who owns Burkett’s Auto Sales on South Gold Street, was arrested last December for second-degree assault after a patron at a local bar ended up with a head injury, according to police.
His trial is scheduled to begin next week in Lewis County Superior Court.
Police are asking anyone with information about Burkett’s whereabouts to contact detective Rick Silva at 360-748-8605