Maryland's first female Episcopal bishop allegedly is driver behind fatal hit-and-run

By Alejandro Alba
New York Daily News
December 29, 2014

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/maryland-episcopal-bishop-guilty-fatal-hit-and-run-article-1.2059460

Bishop Heather Cook was identified as the driver in a fatal hit-and-run bicycle accident in Baltimore.

Cook allegedly fled the scene but came back after 20 minutes. She is being questioned by detectives.

Bicyclist Thomas Palermo, 41, died after he was transfered to Sinai Hospital.

The Episcopal Diocese of Maryland said a newly ordained bishop, Heather Elizabeth Cook, was the driver allegedly responsible for a hit-and-run that killed a bicyclist Sunday afternoon in Baltimore.

The Right Reverend Eugene Taylor Sutton identified Cook, who was ordained in September, in an email, the Baltimore Brew reports.

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

Palermo was still alive when police arrived at the scene. He was taken to Sinai Hospital where he died of his injuries, according to cops.

He was a bicycle builder and a father.

Cook, 58, fled the scene initially. She returned 20 minutes later after she was chased by other cyclists, according to news reports.

"Several news agencies have reported this as a 'hit-and-run.' Bishop Cook did leave the scene initially, but returned after 20 minutes to take responsibility for her actions," Sutton wrote.

Palermo's bicycle was destroyed and Cook's Subaru's front window shield was heavily damaged.

Cook has been placed on administrative leave. The accident could result in criminal charges.

Cook was charged with a DUI and with possession of marijuana in 2010, according to the Caroline County Sheriff's Department, reports the Baltimore Sun.

No details on Cook's sobriety in the instant case have been released. The crash is still being investigated and Cook is being questioned by detectives.

"We're still evaluating," said her lawyer, David, Irwin said, who said he was aware of her criminal background but refused further comment.