by Justin Fenton
City police are stressing that the investigation into an accident that critically injured a Johns Hopkins University student who was riding a bicycle near campus is still pending. Nathan Krasnopoler, 20, was hospitalized after being struck Saturday by a vehicle being driven by an 83-year-old woman.
Police have received numerous inquiries from citizens and city officials about a report in which a police spokesman said charges were not likely to be filed, which the department’s chief spokesman now says was premature. The Accident Investigation Unit is reviewing the accident and will deliberate with city prosecutors before deciding whether charges or citations should be filed.
"That does not mean charges will or will not be filed, but these things unfortunately take time," said spokesman Anthony Guglielmi. "Frankly, they need some help from witnesses." [Contact us and to be clear it would be a good idea for both the police and the family of the cyclist to know who you are, we can put you in touch with the family. And call Baltimore Police Public Relations Office at 410-396-2012]
Baltimore’s cycling community is planning a "Support Ride" next Wednesday at the spot where Krasnopoler was hit. [https://www.baltimorespokes.org/article.php?story=20110301191714786 ]
The student was riding his bike in a marked bike lane on West University Parkway at the intersection with West 39th Street when he was hit by a vehicle trying to turn right, police have said. When officers arrived, Krasnopoler was trapped under the vehicle, according to a police report.
The Baltimore Brew web site reported that Krasnopoler’s father, Mitchell Krasnopoler, has been offering updates on his son’s condition on Nathan’s Facebook page.
“Nathan has made some progress. Although Nathan is still unconscious, he is now responding to his nurse fussing with him: he is moving his legs and head, and even opening one eye,” Krasnopoler wrote.
“The doctors removed his sedation. Nathan is initiating his breathing on his own. Although his movements are not purposeful, he is r…responding to some stimuli. We hope that Nathan will soon respond to requests (“squeeze my hand,” etc.),” he reported.
https://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/crime/blog/2011/03/investigation_pending_in_accid.htmloldId.20110304131343351