A Delaware woman allegedly rammed her Subaru into a bicyclist traveling in a bike lane and continued driving until her SUV broke down, police said. The cyclist, identified as Duane Pershing, 52, died the following day from his injuries.
Background
The collision occurred Tuesday evening on Atlantic Avenue in Millville, Delaware, approximately 4 miles from the Atlantic Coast. According to the Delaware State Police, Pershing was traveling west in the eastbound bike lane at around 9 p.m. when Kara Gilmore, 46, was driving her Subaru Forester east on the same road. The two would have been facing each other as they traveled toward one another.
Police say Gilmore "left the eastbound lane of travel, entered the bike lane, and struck the bicyclist." Rather than stopping at the scene, authorities allege she continued driving from the crash site.
The Investigation
Ocean View Police Department officers located Gilmore a short time later in the parking lot of a nearby bank, where her SUV had become "disabled," according to investigators. When troopers made contact with her, they say she "showed multiple signs of impairment."
Law enforcement administered field sobriety tests and subsequently arrested her for driving under the influence of alcohol.
Pershing was found at the crash site and airlifted to a regional hospital with life-threatening injuries. He succumbed to his injuries the following day, authorities said.
Following Pershing's death, several of Gilmore's charges were upgraded. She had initially been released on a $3,404 unsecured bond after her arrest but was subsequently taken into custody in Maryland, where she is from. The charges now include second-degree vehicular homicide, leaving the scene of a collision resulting in death, and DUI alcohol, among other traffic offenses.
The Delaware State Police confirmed Thursday that the crash investigation remained ongoing and urged anyone with information to contact them.
Key Takeaways
- Duane Pershing, 52, was struck while cycling west in the eastbound bike lane on Atlantic Avenue in Millville, Delaware
- Kara Gilmore, 46, allegedly left her travel lane, entered the bike lane, and hit Pershing before continuing to drive
- Officers found Gilmore's disabled Subaru in a nearby bank parking lot shortly after the collision
- Police say she displayed multiple signs of impairment and was arrested for DUI following field sobriety tests
- Pershing died from his injuries the day after the crash
- Charges were upgraded after the victim's death, including second-degree vehicular homicide
- Gilmore was taken into custody in Maryland, her state of residence
What's Next
The Delaware State Police investigation into the fatal collision remains active. Authorities continue to urge witnesses or anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Court proceedings are expected to resume as the case moves through the judicial system.