JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A JTA bus driver who was fired back in June for reportedly running over a woman, killing her, was arrested and charged with manslaughter and vehicular homicide Wednesday, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.
Jean Silney was charged with the death of Jeanie Rozar.
Rozar's family told First Coast News Wednesday afternoon they are pleased with Silney's charges, but they did not want to comment further about the case.
On June 22 at 2:20 p.m., JSO responded to reports of a bus crash involving a pedestrian at the intersection of Maple Street and Pearl Street. Once at the scene, JSO said officers found Rozar dead in the roadway in the 4500 block of Ocean Street.
Rozar's death was initially ruled by the medical examiner as an auto accident with blunt impact trauma, but after reviewing surveillance video taken from the bus, police were able to determine the events that led up to the crash.
Police said surveillance video showed Rozar and Silney got into an argument about the bus schedule. After exchanging words, police said Rozar left the bus and Silney closed the glass door, trapping Rozar's arm. Silney then sped off with Rozar still trapped in the door, police said.
(Story continues below.)
Surveillance video reportedly showed Rozar running along the bus, screaming for Silney to open the door, police said. Silney continued to drive off and JSO said Rozar was eventually ran over by the bus.
Police said Silney returned to the scene after seeing what happened and something along the lines of "Why did I do that?"
After an investigation into the incident by JTA, Silney was fired.
Months later, after working with the State Attorney's Office and waiting for the results of the medical examiner, JSO issued a warrant for Silney, who turned himself in Wednesday.
A JTA released the following statement upon Silney's arrest:
“Since this accident occurred, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) has fully cooperated with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and its investigation. The JTA will continue to do so as this criminal matter proceeds.”