On August 28, 2017, around 4:30 p.m., Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office deputies investigated a traffic collision at Dana Street and Prescott Street in Dewey. The vehicles involved were a 2005 Kia Sorento, a Humboldt Unified School Bus, and a 1994 Ford Explorer.
Deputies learned that the school bus was travelling west on Prescott Street when it was struck by the Kia which ran a stop sign. The Kia initially collided with the front door of the bus and then spun and impacted the rear of the bus. After these collisions, the Kia struck a parked vehicle – the Ford Explorer – which was pushed into a chain link fence. The driver of the Kia, later identified as 38-year-old Gerald Dempsey from Dewey, ran from the scene. A witness gave chase, but was unable to locate Dempsey.
The bus driver and an adult riding in the bus expressed complaints of pain. It is unknown if Dempsey sustained any injuries.
Currently, Dempsey has a $25,000 Aggravated Assault/Probation violation warrant. He is also wanted for Hit and Run, Causing Injury. He is described as a male white, 6’ 01” tall, 190 pounds with brown hair and eyes.
If anyone has information regarding his whereabouts, please call the Sheriff’s Office at 928-771-3260 or Yavapai Silent Witness at 1800-932-3232. A tip given directly to Silent Witness resulting in the arrest of Dempsey becomes eligible for a cash reward. Refer to YCSO case number 17-030849.