News Release from: Clackamas Co. Sheriff's Office

CLACKAMAS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE SEEKS DRIVER IN ACCIDENT INVOLVING UNINSURED BICYCLIST, 68

Posted: Jan. 23, 2008 10:14 a.m.

The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office is seeking the driver involved in a accident in which an elderly -- and uninsured -- bicyclist was struck and now requires hip surgery.

On Sunday, Jan. 20 at approximately 10:50 a.m., 68 year-old Howard Joel Dempsey was walking his bicycle in the intersection of SE Johnson Creek Boulevard and Bell Avenue. At this time, Howard Dempsey was struck by an oncoming automobile that had proceeded against the red light.

Howard Dempsey and his bicycle were knocked to the pavement, and the offending female driver stopped to render aid. This driver was very concerned for Dempsey's welfare, and did what was   expected and required by law. A witness on-scene also rendered aid to the injured Howard Dempsey.

Howard Dempsey refused to accept any of the insurance and contact information the driver attempted to provide to Howard Dempsey. He reportedly said he was going to be just fine and intended to "walk it off."

Eventually, the responsible driver gave up after numerous attempts to get Dempsey to accept her information, and departed the scene. This driver was described as genuinely concerned, having made every effort to complete her obligations as a driver involved in an accident.

Unfortunately, a short time later, Howard Dempsey found himself unable to mount his bicycle, and fell to the pavement in pain. The witness who remained on-scene contacted the Sheriff's Office, and Deputy Dave Willard arrived to investigate.

Medical personnel were summoned, and a reluctant Howard Dempsey was transported to  Providence Milwaukie Hospital -- where it was determined he was suffering from a seriously fractured hip, and would be subjected to extensive surgery.

Deputy Willard discovered that Dempsey had just lost his spouse, who died a short time ago, and had been volunteering at Providence Milwaukie himself, caring for those hospitalized and in need.

Deputy Dave Willard also discovered Dempsey does not have any medical insurance. The deputy also learned this fine man did not want to impose on anyone, and was hopeful the injury he received as a result of the crash would mend itself.

 
Unfortunately, this is not the case.

The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office is asking the female driver involved in this accident to please come forward and contact the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office to provide her identification and -- most importantly -- her insurance information for Howard Dempsey.

Howard Dempsey is a wonderful 68-year-old man, seriously injured and in desperate need of what the offending driver's insurance coverage may be able to provide. Witnesses on-scene describing the driver as appearing to be genuine and conscientious; the Sheriff's Office hopes this is the case, and that she is courageous enough to step forward at this most difficult time.

Mr. Dempsey is home recuperating from his surgery, and is available to news outlets. He is being assisted by his daughter Joy Dempsey during this convalescence. 

[END]

Contact Info: Jim Strovink, Detective
503-237-2643