Resident Killed in Parking Lot

Accident under police investigation.

Pedestrian Shirley Stearman, 81, of Potomac, died after being hit by a car in the Cabin John parking lot at 7919 Tuckerman Lane Sunday, June 2.

Montgomery County Police detectives from the Collision Reconstruction Unit are investigating the fatal pedestrian collision that happened around 1:50 p.m. in Potomac.

When asked if any charges may be pending or if the accident was avoidable by either party, spokesperson Angela Cruz said, “We can’t speculate until an investigation has been completed.”

The investigation could take one month to three months, Cruz said.

According to Montgomery County police reports, a 43-year-old Germantown resident was driving a 2009 Acura MDX through the parking lot. “At the end of the parking aisle near the store, the driver made a left turn and struck the pedestrian who had just parked her car and was walking toward the store.”

Montgomery County Fire Rescue personnel were in the shopping center on an unrelated call and immediately assisted Stearman, according to police reports. She later died after being transported to Suburban Hospital.

Anyone with information should call the Collision Reconstruction Unit at 240-773-6620. Callers may remain anonymous.

Cruz said there have been several pedestrian fatalities this year, but none in parking lots. When asked if there is a trend of speeding in parking lots, Cruz said, “I have not seen anything like that to the best of my knowledge.”

“We always advise both pedestrians and drivers to always be vigilant and never expect anyone to stop,” Cruz said. “Err on the side of caution.”