In a hit-and-run incident on February 14 in Sacramento, California, Indian student Nilam Shinde was severely injured when her car was hit from behind by 58-year-old Lawrence Gallow, who fled the scene. Gallow was arrested on February 19 after police worked diligently to locate him. Shinde, a post-graduate student at California State University from Maharashtra, suffered multiple fractures and required emergency brain surgery, leaving her in a coma. Her family expedited their US visa appointments with assistance from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. The Indian Consulate has expressed sympathy and has been supporting Shinde’s family during this crisis.
New Delhi:
A man involved in a hit-and-run incident that left Indian student Nilam Shinde critically injured in California on February 14 fled the scene immediately after the accident. Lawrence Gallow, aged 58, was apprehended five days later on February 19, according to information shared by the Sacramento Police Department with NDTV on Thursday evening.
The incident, described as a “hit-and-run collision,” occurred at the intersection of Fair Oaks Blvd and Cadillac Dr in Sacramento shortly before 7 pm, as reported by the police. When officers arrived, they discovered Ms. Shinde lying on the ground.
“Upon arrival, responding officers found a female adult on the ground. The vehicle involved had left the scene prior to the police’s arrival. Sacramento Fire Department personnel transported the female to a local hospital due to serious injuries,” the police stated.
Nilam Shinde, who hails from Satara in Maharashtra, was subsequently taken to an emergency medical facility, the authorities added.
Ms. Shinde, a post-graduate student at California State University, was struck from behind by the car. She sustained fractures in both arms and legs and required emergency brain surgery. Since the incident, she has remained in a coma.
Her family applied for a visa 48 hours after the accident, but the earliest interview slot they received was for the following year. However, following an intervention by the Ministry of External Affairs, prompted by NCP leader Supriya Sule’s highlighting of the case, an expedited US visa appointment was arranged.
Ms. Shinde’s brother informed NDTV that their father, Tanaji Shinde, and he have a US visa appointment scheduled for Friday in Mumbai.
The suspect in the incident was apprehended after officers and detectives “worked tirelessly” to identify and track him down.
“Thanks to their diligent efforts, our detectives located and arrested 58-year-old Lawrence Gallow of Sacramento on 2/19/2025, on felony hit-and-run charges resulting in permanent injury,” said the Sacramento Police Department.
A statement from the university, released on February 16, noted that Ms. Shinde “is in critical condition with an uncertain prognosis and is receiving medical care in the Intensive Care Unit.” The university has also requested that travel permits be granted for her family.
The Consulate General of India in San Francisco has expressed their “sympathy and solidarity” with Nilam Shinde’s family. “(We have) been in continuous contact with the hospital, family, and friends over the last several days, offering all possible support. We will keep our engagement to assist her and her family ongoing,” the consulate mentioned in a post on X.