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BALTIMORE, MD: Cycling Advocates Demand Maryland Bishop Be Charged In Bicyclist's Death

BALTIMORE, MD: Cycling Advocates Demand Maryland Bishop Be Charged In Bicyclist's Death

By Mike Helgren
WJZ
http://baltimore.cbslocal.com
December 29, 2014

Cycling advocates are asking that Baltimore's first female bishop be charged in the death of a bicyclist she struck with her car on Saturday.

The Rev. Canon Heather E. Cook was identified as the driver who fatally struck 41-year-old Thomas Palermo in the 5700-block of Roland Avenue in North Baltimore, according to an email from the Diocese of Maryland. Cook initially left the scene but returned 20 minutes later.

Rachel Beck, an avid biker, who lives close to the scene of the accident, saw Cook return Saturday to the crash site Saturday.

"She looked disoriented at the moment," Beck said. "More than half of her window was completed crushed, just completely crushed."

Charges have not been filed against Cook, but two groups of cycling advocates believe they should be.

One group has started a social media campaign "Justice For Tom Palermo" on Facebook, in which they are asking that Cook be charged with homicide.

On the group's Facebook page, they describe Palermo as a father, husband and a graduate of Maryland and St. Joe's Prep. They say because Cook initially left the scene, leaving Palermo fatally injured in the roadway, she should be charged.

They are demanding supporters call the State's Attorney for Baltimore and demand Cook be charged.

Bikemore, a Baltimore Bike Advocacy group, also released a statement about Palermo's death on Sunday, calling for charges against cook.

"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Tom Palermo, who was killed while riding his bicycle on Roland Avenue. Tom was a passionate bicycle builder, a father and a friend to many people who ride bicycles in Baltimore," Jed Weeks wrote in a post on their site.

"While details of the crash are still emerging, we know the driver of the car involved initially fled the scene, leaving Tom to die on the street," Weeks continued. "It is clear that dedicated bicycle lanes were not enough to keep even an experienced bicycle rider safe."

"We urge the justice system to hold the driver who killed Tom accountable for her actions," the post reads.

Cook has a previous DUI record, according to court records.

Her attorney David Irwin said it's too early in the investigation to say anything right now. She has been placed on administrative leave.

Baltimore City Police have declined to discuss the investigation with media, but in a statement they say:

We have received a number of requests for information regarding the fatal accident involving the cyclist in the 5700 block of Roland Ave., this past Saturday. These investigations are complex and intricate, offering requiring detailed reconstruction and forensic examination. This is still a very active investigation that is being handled by our C.R.A.S.H. Team. In order not to jeopardize any potential prosecution, specific evidentiary details will not be released at this time. The identity of the driver and other specific information about the incident will not be confirmed at this time.

Everyone's thoughts and prayers remain with the Palermo family. While there is significant public interest in this incident, the integrity of the investigation must be preserved.

END

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