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Bus driver accused of dragging, killing woman with JTA bus in June arrested

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Transportation Authority bus operator accused of running over and killing a mother in June in Mayport is now facing charges.

Jean Silney was driving the JTA bus when Jeanie Rozar, a local woman, was dragged and run over on June 22.

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Silney is now in the Duval County Jail on charges of manslaughter and vehicular homicide, according to JSO.

JSO Assistant Chief Brian Kee said the day of the incident, Rozar got on the bus at Ocean and Pearl streets. She was on the bus for a short time when she and Silney began arguing over a disagreement with the bus schedule.

After the exchange of words, Rozar got off the bus.

According to JSO, Silney closed the glass door, trapping Rozar's arm and sped off into traffic..

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On surveillance video collected from the JTA bus, Rozar can be seen running alongside the bus, trying to free her arm. Kee said Rozar could be heard screaming for Silney to open the door.

Rozar was eventually run over by the bus.

Kee said Silney returned to the area after seeing what happened.

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"He made comments making it clearly aware that he knew what was happening. He also made a comment to the effect of, 'Why did I do that?'" Kee said.

Kee said the investigation took longer because JSO had to wait for the medical examiner's office to come back with its decision.

Also, because of the nature of the case, Kee said that the case was assigned to JSO's Homicide Unit rather than its Traffic Homicide Unit.

Rozar's family and friends in Mayport Village tell Action News Jax this was the news they were hoping for.

Local neighbor Karen Holland who knew Rozar says, "I'm so glad that he was arrested and he is being charged because it was malicious, absolutely malicious."

Rozar's mother Lana adds that Silney got what he deserved.

Although my neighbor, who wouldn't go on camera says this outcome isn't fair and that it was all just a horrible accident.

JTA sent the following statement to Action News Jax:

"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."

JSO held a news conference about the arrest. Watch the Facebook Live broadcast below:

LIVE VIDEO: JSO announces homicide arrest

LIVE VIDEO: JSO announces homicide arrest

Posted by Action News Jax on Wednesday, October 9, 2019