Driver Sought Over Collision with Bicyclist Sunday in Clackamas

A driver who struck a man walking his bike Sunday is not in legal trouble, but police need to hear from her.

(CLACKAMAS, Ore.) - Investigators in Clackamas have an unusual situation on their hands, and they need to hear from a driver whose car struck a bicyclist on Sunday.

Jim Strovink with the Clackamas County Sheriff says that just before 11:00 AM, 68-year old Howard Joel Dempsey was walking his bicycle in the intersection of SE Johnson Creek Boulevard and Bell Avenue, when he was struck by an oncoming automobile that had proceeded against the red light.

"Howard Dempsey and his bicycle went to the pavement as a result of the impact and the offending female driver stopped to render aid. This drives was very concerned for the welfare of Howard Dempsey and did what was compassionately expected and required by law."

Strovink says an additional witness was on scene and also rendered aid to the injured Howard Dempsey, who believed at that point that he was not seriously injured.

"Howard Dempsey refused to accept any of the insurance information and contact information this female driver was eagerly attempting to provide to Howard Dempsey. Reportedly, he continued to exclaim he was going to be just fine and intended to just 'walk-it-off.'"

Strovink says that eventually, the driver accepted Dempsey's word and got in her car and left.

"The responsible female driver had exhausted numerous attempts to have Dempsey accept her information and in time departed the scene. This driver was described to be genuinely concerned and made every effort to complete her obligations as a driver involved in an accident."

But he says that as the man attempted to ride off on his bike, he learned that he had received a substantial injury.

"Howard Dempsey found himself unable to mount his bicycle and fell to the pavement in pain. The Good Samaritan witness who remained on the scene contacted the Sheriff's Office and Deputy Dave Willard arrived to investigate."

Medical personnel were also summoned to the scene and even though he was reluctant, Howard Dempsey was transported to Milwaukie Providence Hospital where they determined that he was suffering from a seriously fractured hip and would be subjected to extensive surgery.

Strovink says Me. Dempsey actually volunteers at Milwaukie Providence, the hospital he was transported to.

"Deputy Dave Willard discovered that this gracious and benevolent gentleman had just lost his spouse who died a short time ago, and he was presently acting as a volunteer at Providence Milwaukie Hospital, caring for those hospitalized and in need."

Willard also discovered Howard Dempsey does not have any medical insurance, Strovink said.

"Deputy Dave Willard also learned this fine man did not want to impose on anyone and was hopeful the injury received as a result of the crash would mend itself; unfortunately, this is not the case."

So now the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office is requesting the female driver involved in this accident with Howard Dempsey 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.

"I know it will take a little courage, but this woman stopped as she was supposed to and did everything she could do to help this nice man. She is not in trouble, this is not about tracking her down so we can give her a ticket, we just need to file a report and get her insurance information." Strovink told Salem-News that the man is in desperate need of what help the driver's insurance coverage may be able to provide.

Those on the scene report describing this woman as appearing very genuine and conscientious – The Sheriff's Office hopes this is the case and that she is courageous enough to step forward admirably, at this most difficult time. The number to call is 503 777-6416.