published: Friday, November 06, 2009

Names released in fatal car crash

Names released in fatal car crash

LARRY ELL

Staff Writer

CLERMONT -- Clermont police on Monday released the names of the people involved in a Halloween night crash that killed one pedestrian and injured another.

According to Clermont's Capt. John Johnson, Mitchell Trompeter, 8, was killed after being struck by a vehicle as he was crossing State Road 50 with a family member Saturday evening.

Police said Trompeter was pronounced dead at the scene. He was reportedly on his way to a Halloween party being hosted by the United Methodist Church.

Police said he was walking with his father's girlfriend, Kathleen Berry, as they headed north along Seventh Street and were crossing S.R. 50 from the median. Berry was reportedly treated at South Lake Hospital for minor injuries.

The driver of the vehicle has been identified as 61-year-old Augustin Perez of Labelle. Perez and three passengers were traveling westbound on S.R. 50 at the time of the accident.

Johnson said the vehicle has been impounded for further investigation, but no charges have been filed. Johnson said Perez stopped immediately after the accident and has been cooperating fully with investigators.