Clergy Learns More about Fatal Accident Involving Bishop

WJZ
January 6, 2015

http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2015/01/06/clergy-learns-more-about-fatal-accident-involving-bishop/

Heather E. Cook, photo courtesy Diocese of Maryland.

New information has been released about events immediately following the death of Thomas Palermo, who was hit and killed while riding his bike on the afternoon of Dec. 27.

Pat Warren reports on a statement released by the church Tuesday.

The Episcopal Diocese confirms Bishop Heather Cook was behind the wheel of this car that hit cyclist, Thomas Palermo, on Roland Avenue in North Baltimore and kept going.

“There was a green Subaru Forester Station Wagon, just went down the street with its windows busted out. There was a female driver. A citizen saw it coming back up Roland Avenue,” a 911 call said.

Bishop Cook did not stop, but instead placed a call to Rev. Scott Slater before returning to the scene.

According to information released after a clergy meeting Tuesday, she said she thought she had hit a bicyclist and was in shock.

The report says Slater went to the accident scene, gave a statement to police and later took Cook home. Slater did not share details, but said he focused conversation on Cook as a child of God. They prayed together and he went home.

Bishop Cook is on administrative leave and the Diocese says it is being guided by the core values of accountability, compassion and the rule of law.

Palermo’s death also raises safety concerns for cyclists.

“Even when the proper lanes are in place, you can still be killed,” one cyclist said.

Bicyclists statewide are pointing to Palermo’s death as evidence of a need for greater safety for them on Maryland streets and roads.

A memorial bike ride was dedicated to Thomas Palermo last week and the church is urging congregations to designate a Sunday offering to the Palermo family.

The church is conducting its own investigation.

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