Bishop who killed bicyclist and fled the scene was DUI in 2010; pot charges were dropped
BALTIMORE, MD. — An Episcopal Bishop with a DUI conviction on her record and pot packing in her history with police apparently nailed and killed a Baltimore man who was riding his bike on Sunday. No charges have been placed yet against Heather Elizabeth Cook, 58, the first woman Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland, who, perhaps had too much communion wine at Sunday services.
The Baltimore Sun reports that when the Bishop saw what she had done, she fled the scene.
Thomas Palermo, 41, was pronounced dead at a hospital and Bishop Cook passed up the chance to give last rites to her victim.
Baltimore Police Investigators reported that they were on the scene of a fatal accident involving a bicycle in the 5700 block of Roland Avenue.
On Sept. 10, 2010 Caroline County Sheriff’s Deputy J. Reiby cited Rev. Cook with DWI, possession of marijuana and driving under the influence. On Oct. 25, 2010, the DUI charge was dropped in Caroline County Court by States Attorney Jonathan Newell.
Cook, a resident of Cabin Creek Road in Hurlock, Md., entered a plea of guilty for the DWI charge. She received a probation before judgment, was fined $800 but $500 of the fine was suspended. No jail time was ordered by the plea deal.
Bishop Cook was represented by Dennis J. Farina, of Denton, who was able to convince States Attorney Newell to drop the criminal charges of possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana.
Witnesses on the scene who saw Bishop Cook flee told the Baltimore Brew that Palermo was still alive after being struck and had Cook not fled she might have been able to render assistance or call for help. Cook reportedly returned about twenty minutes later, giving her plenty of time to possibly make a claim of having taken a couple of drinks during that time period.
Maryland law requires a blood draw to determine impairment for motorists involved in a fatal or critical crash.
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