Driver in hit-and-run that killed framebuilder was bishop

An Episcopal bishop in Maryland has admitted to being the driver in a hit and run that killed Baltimore framebuilder Thomas Palermo on Saturday.

Mr Palermo was riding on Roland Avenue, Baltimore when he was hit by a Subaru estate at about 2:45 pm. The driver, Bishop Heather Cook, left the scene but returned between 20 and 45 minutes later.

According to some reports Cook returned after being chased and identified by other cyclists on the scene.

On the website of bike campaign organisation Bikemore, 'Fellow bikerider' writes that they were one of the first on the scene after Tom Palermo was hit:

" remained at the scene until it was secured by the police and walked my bike across the median strip to thank one of the gentlemen who was early at the scene. He was in a conversation with another biker and they immediately indicated that they believe the car that hit Mr. Palermo had just driven past. They had the make and model but not the license."

The rider followed the car to a gated apartment complex, but was stopped by security and told the car had just left the complex.

"I rode back up the hill to the light at Lake and saw the driver talking to a policeman. I rode up to them and, without anything else to say thanked her for returning to the scene."

According to police reports, Mr Palermo was still alive when emergency services arrived, but died later in Sinai Hospital.

On Sunday, Cook's church superior the Right Rev. Eugene Taylor Sutton wrote an email to the diocese confirming that Cook had been the driver.

Sutton wrote: "I am distressed to announce that Bishop Heather E. Cook was involved in a traffic accident Saturday afternoon, Dec. 27, that resulted in the death of bicyclist Thomas Palermo, 41.

"Together with the Diocese of Maryland, I express my deep sorrow over the death of the cyclist and offer my condolences to the victim’s family."

Sutton confirmed that Cook had initially left the scene.

"Several news organizations have reported this as a ‘hit and run.’ Bishop Cook did leave the scene initially, but returned after about 20 minutes to take responsibility for her actions," he wrote.

No charges have been laid in connection with the crash. On Monday December 29, city police issued this statement:

"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."

According to the Baltimore Brew's Fern Shen, Cook was arrested in 2010 for drunk driving after giving a blood reading over three times the legal limit. She was also charged with possession of marijuana and of drug paraphernalia.

The drugs charges were later dropped and Cook pleaded guilty to the drink-driving charge and received “probation before judgement” with a $800 fine, $500 of which was suspended.

On Monday December 29, a group of local riders gathered for a tribute ride for Tom Palermo and took the opportunity to voice their fears about riding in Baltimore to WMAR Baltimore news: