Decade-Long Search Ends in Arrest of Washington's 'Most Wanted' Fugitive

Jerry Denson, 36, apprehended in West Seattle after evading law enforcement since 2017 crash that killed passenger

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:54pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a car's shattered windshield or crumpled side panel, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the gritty details of a serious crime scene.The aftermath of a fatal DUI crash that sparked a nearly decade-long manhunt for the suspect, now apprehended.Seattle Today

After nearly a decade on the run, Jerry Denson, 36, was arrested in West Seattle on April 2 for a 2017 incident where he allegedly drove under the influence, crashed his car on I-5 in Kent, and caused the death of his 28-year-old passenger. Denson had been on Washington's 'Most Wanted' list since failing to appear in court in October 2017, prompting a warrant for his arrest.

Why it matters

This arrest highlights the persistence of law enforcement in tracking down and holding accountable those who evade justice, even years after a serious crime. It also underscores the tragic human toll of impaired driving incidents and the importance of the public's cooperation in providing information to help locate wanted suspects.

The details

According to the Washington State Patrol (WSP), on March 17, 2017, Denson was driving under the influence when he crashed his car on I-5 in Kent, resulting in the death of his 28-year-old passenger who was ejected from the vehicle. Denson failed to appear in court in October 2017, leading to a warrant for his arrest. Over the past few months, WSP detectives, the Organized Crime Intel Unit, and the U.S. Marshals Violent Offender Task Force worked together to track down Denson's whereabouts and take him into custody in West Seattle on April 2.

  • On March 17, 2017, Denson allegedly drove under the influence and crashed his car on I-5 in Kent.
  • In October 2017, Denson failed to appear in court, leading to a warrant for his arrest.
  • Over the past few months, law enforcement agencies worked to locate and apprehend Denson.
  • Denson was arrested in West Seattle on April 2, 2026.

The players

Jerry Denson

A 36-year-old man who had been on Washington's 'Most Wanted' list since 2017 for a fatal DUI crash and failure to appear in court.

Trisena Sharff

Captain of the Washington State Patrol's Criminal Investigative Division, who commented on Denson's arrest.

Washington State Patrol (WSP)

The law enforcement agency that led the investigation and apprehension of Denson.

U.S. Marshals Violent Offender Task Force

The federal task force that assisted in the investigation and arrest of Denson.

Brannon family

The family of the 28-year-old passenger who was killed in the 2017 crash involving Denson.

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What they’re saying

“No matter how much time passes, we will continue to pursue those who evade accountability for serious crimes. Today's arrest is the result of relentless investigative work and strong partnerships, and we hope it brings some measure of justice to the Brannon family.”

— Trisena Sharff, Captain, Washington State Patrol's Criminal Investigative Division

What’s next

Denson is currently being held on $100,000 bail and will face charges related to the 2017 fatal DUI crash and his failure to appear in court.

The takeaway

This case highlights the relentless efforts of law enforcement to track down and hold accountable those who evade justice, even years after a serious crime. It also underscores the tragic consequences of impaired driving and the importance of the public's cooperation in providing information to help locate wanted suspects.