4.12.11: Walke Cited for Accident Involving Cyclist
April 12, 2011 -- The State's Attorney's Office for Baltimore City and the Baltimore City Police Department announced today that two traffic citations have been issued to Jeanette Marie Walke, 83, arising from an incident on February 26, 2011, near Johns Hopkins University, in which she struck student Nathan Krasnopoler, 20, while operating her motor vehicle.
Walke was cited for negligent driving and failure to yield right-of-way to a bicyclist in a designated bike lane prior to crossing the lane. Maryland law defines negligent driving as the "careless or imprudent" operation of a vehicle "that endangers any property or the life or person of any individual." Each violation that Walke received carries a maximum fine of $500 and three points.
"In conjunction with the Baltimore City Police Department, we have conducted a careful and through investigation, and concluded that these charges were appropriate based on the circumstances. Our combined investigation found no evidence of gross negligence, which is required to support a charge of vehicular manslaughter," said State's Attorney Gregg Bernstein. "This was a terrible tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers are with the Krasnopoler family."
The Baltimore Police Department and the State's Attorney's Office take seriously all incidents involving bicyclists and motorists. "We will prosecute drivers who harm cyclists to the fullest extent of the law," Bernstein said.
Police and prosecutors praised members of the public for their assistance with the investigation.