Pedestrian killed on Archer Road was 2008 UF grad

A woman who was hit by a car and killed Monday night on Archer Road had been planning to become a veterinarian and was remembered by friends and colleagues Tuesday as a knowledgeable, caring person who would undoubtedly have succeeded in her work with animals.

Gainesville police said Erin Elaine Pelton, 24, of Gainesville, was hit by a car being driven by Shakia Harris, 20, of Gainesville.

According to police, the accident happened at 6:45 p.m. as Pelton was walking south in the 2300 block of Archer Road and was not in a crosswalk. At the same time, Harris was driving east on Archer Road. Harris told police that she had just moved into the center lane of the three-lane roadway to avoid a group of pedestrians when the accident happened.

Police spokesman Lt. Keith Kameg said it appeared that the left front bumper of the car struck Pelton, who rolled on top of the hood. Pelton was taken to the trauma unit at Shands at the University of Florida, where she was pronounced dead a short time later.

Due to the extent of Pelton's injuries, the traffic homicide unit was immediately dispatched to the scene.

"We believe the woman was in the road when she was hit by a vehicle," Kameg said. "We don't know why she was in the road."

Kameg said officers at the scene described Harris as helpful and as not showing any obvious signs of being drunk or impaired. Harris willingly submitted to tests for drugs and alcohol.

"That's very standard in cases like this," Kameg said.

Her car was towed to an impound lot for further investigation.

Pelton graduated from the University of Florida in 2008 with a degree in animal science and was planning to apply for veterinary school, said her boyfriend, Charles Roop, and several co-workers at Gainesville Animal Hospital.

"She was a lovely young lady. When we first met, I felt I could trust her and talk to her about anything. I loved every minute with her. It was really special to me, and it really hurts that she is no longer with us," Roop said.

Veterinarians Ray Henley and Raymond Sujdak described Pelton as an excellent veterinary technician with compassion for animals, an easy-going nature in dealing with the pets' owners and considerable knowledge.

Pelton had worked at the hospital since May 2006.

"I've had the privilege of working with really phenomenal students over the years who have gone on to vet school, and she would have to be one of the most exceptional - right up there with the best of the best," Henley said. "She was absolutely a lovely person. She had a soft, calming demeanor about her. She was extremely caring. She really loved the pets. She was without question reliable, trustworthy, thorough."

Several co-workers said Pelton willingly shared her expertise with them, was fun to work with and was conscientious.

Co-worker Damita Spencer said Pelton loved her grandmother's Southern cooking, while Kristen Cason said Pelton took pride in being the "mom" of Opie, her black Lab.

"She was a blast, a very, very fun individual," said co-worker Gena Natale.

Roop said Pelton was from Lady Lake and attended Central Florida Community College before UF, where the two met in a chemistry class. Painting and drawing were among Pelton's other interests, he said.