A Delaware woman is facing serious criminal charges after police say she struck a bicyclist with her SUV and kept driving until her vehicle finally gave out, miles from the crash site. The cyclist later died from his injuries.
Authorities identified the driver as 46-year-old Kara Gilmore, who has been charged with second-degree vehicular homicide, leaving the scene of a collision resulting in death, driving under the influence, and several other traffic-related offenses. The victim has been identified as 52-year-old Duane Pershing.
According to investigators, the incident occurred on a Tuesday night at around 9 p.m. on Atlantic Avenue in Millville, a small town located about four miles from the Atlantic coastline. Pershing was riding his bicycle in the eastbound bike lane, traveling in the opposite direction of regular traffic flow, when Gilmore’s Subaru Forester reportedly drifted out of its lane and into the bike lane, striking him directly.
Rather than stopping to render aid or report the crash, Gilmore allegedly continued driving away from the scene. A short time later, officers located her vehicle disabled in a bank parking lot. When approached, police say she displayed multiple signs of impairment. She was subsequently given field sobriety tests and arrested on suspicion of DUI.
Meanwhile, Pershing was found at the crash site with life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to a regional hospital, where he died the following day.
Gilmore was initially released on a relatively small unsecured bond. However, once Pershing’s death was confirmed, the charges against her were escalated significantly. She was later taken into custody in Maryland, where she resides.
Police have confirmed that the investigation into the crash remains active, and they are appealing to the public for any additional information that could assist in the case.
The incident has shocked the local community, raising fresh concerns about cyclist safety along busy coastal roadways and the dangers posed by impaired driving. Authorities say further updates will be released as the investigation progresses.
