On Saturday, September 22, 2017, at about 7:00 P.M. Syracuse Police Officers pulled over a green 2002 Ford Explorer on Shonnard St. at the intersection of S. West St. for a traffic infraction. That vehicle was being operated by Eric Dempsey. As the uniformed officers approached the vehicle, Dempsey sped away from them, onto W. Onondaga St., then onto Midland Ave. The officers, operating a marked Syracuse Police Department vehicle attempted to catch up to Dempsey’s vehicle, which was now on Lincoln Ave. Dempsey still disregarded the Officers’ lights and sirens, ordering him to stop.

At the intersection of Lincoln Ave. and Tallman St., Dempsey did not stop at the stop sign and collided with a white sedan, which was being operated by Edward Rice. Rice’s step-son, Robert Owens was riding in the passenger seat of that vehicle. The Police Officers immediately called for medical assistance and began medical assistance of their own.

American Medical Response Ambulance (AMR) transported both of those men to Upstate University Hospital, although Edward Rice, 49 years of age died before reaching there. Robert Owens, 22 years of age, was pronounced dead a short time later.

AMR also transported Dempsey to Upstate University Hospital, where he was treated for minor injuries. When he was released from the hospital, he was lodged in the Onondaga Justice Center on the charges of Manslaughter 2nd (2 counts), Vehicular Manslaughter 2nd (2 Counts), and Unlawfully Fleeing a Police Officer 1st, DWI and numerous Vehicle and Traffic violations.

This investigation is continuing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Syracuse Police Department Traffic Division at (315) 442-5130. All calls will remain confidential. Anonymous tips may also be submitted using the “SPD Tips” app