Woman Fleeing After Hitting Cyclist in Delaware Faces Vehicular Homicide Charges

Delaware State Police have arrested Kara Gilmore, a 46-year-old woman from Maryland, following a fatal hit-and-run incident that occurred on Tuesday evening near Millville. The collision took place around 9 p.m. when Gilmore was driving her Subaru Forester eastbound on Atlantic Avenue and struck Duane Pershing, a 52-year-old cyclist who was traveling west in the opposite direction's bike lane.

According to police reports, after hitting Pershing, Gilmore did not stop but continued driving until her SUV broke down in a bank parking lot. Officers found her there shortly afterward and noted signs of impairment. Following field sobriety tests, she was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI). Pershing sustained severe injuries from the impact and was airlifted to a regional hospital with life-threatening conditions; he passed away the next day.

Gilmore has been charged with second-degree vehicular homicide, leaving the scene of a collision resulting in death, DUI, and other traffic offenses. She was initially released on bond but was rearrested after Pershing's death and is now being held in Maryland pending further legal proceedings. The Delaware State Police continue to investigate the incident and are seeking additional witnesses or information from the public.

This case highlights the dangers of impaired driving and the severe consequences that can result from leaving the scene of an accident, underscoring the importance of adhering to traffic laws and prioritizing road safety for all users.