JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has made an arrest in a car-train collision that killed Abdul Miller Jr., 23. He was killed when the car in which he was a passenger was hit by a train as it crossed the tracks near the Publix warehouse off Beaver Street.
According to video, Michelle Hopkins, 23, was driving the car at the time of the crash.
Police say video also shows Hopkins intentionally driving around the crossing arm.
An investigation revealed that the crossing arms were down, and the lights and bells on the barrier were in operation.
JSO tracked down Hopkins and arrested her on Tuesday. She faces manslaughter and vehicular homicide charges.
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Daphne Wheaton used to live next door to Hopkins, her sister and their mother.
"They were nice people, nice neighbors, she was a good girl," said Wheaton.
She said she was upset when she found out about the crash June 27 that put Hopkins in the hospital.
Police say Hopkins was ejected from the car, and was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. When Wheaton heard the news, she went to the ICU.
"I went to visit her and she remembered me, she was glad to see me," said Wheaton.
Police say a witness also saw Hopkins drive around the crossing arm.
"I'm sad they are charging her with manslaughter because I don't believe it, ya know, to me it wasn't her fault," said Wheaton.
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