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Boy's Death Spurs Speed Bumps Call

David Kraut / News Channel 8

David Bernier was arrested Tuesday night at a candlelight vigil for his nephew Carlos Ramirez Jr.

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By CHRIS ECHEGARAY, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 13, 2007

Updated: 12/12/2007 11:46 pm

TAMPA - The family of a 9-year-old boy who died after being struck by a car sought signatures for speed bumps on Flora Street while holding a vigil Wednesday.

   Carlos Ramirez Jr.
Family Photo

Carlos Ramirez Jr. was riding his bicycle when hit just before 5 p.m. Sunday at Flora Street and Thatcher Avenue. His family said he was dragged 78 feet by a car that was speeding. He died Monday at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital.

The driver, Kevin Custodio II, 19, has not been charged. Officials said the boy turned onto Flora Street, and Custodio swerved but still hit him.

Tuesday, the family held a vigil that led to a confrontation with a driver they say was speeding. David Bernier, Carlos' uncle, was arrested at the accident site. Bernier, 38, of 9320 Greystone Road, Thonotosassa, was charged with obstructing or opposing an officer after he got into an argument.

On Wednesday, Krystal Bernier, Carlos' sister, said she gathered speed bump petition signatures Tuesday and would continue at the Wednesday night vigil as the family prepared for the funeral of her brother, a Crestwood Elementary student. His family wants the county to place speed bumps to slow cars. "I lost my son and I don't want anyone else to lose their kid," said Jeannie Garrick, Carlos' mother. "I don't want people to go through what I'm going through. I have to put my son in a grave on Friday. My son was supposed to put me in the grave."

News Channel 8 photographer David Kraut contributed to this report. Reporter Chris Echegaray can be reached at (813) 259-7920.

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