The JTA bus driver who was fired after reportedly running over a woman in Mayport, killing her, released a statement via his lawyer on Tuesday.
Finley Williams from the Law Offices of John Phillips released the following statement on behalf of former bus driver Jean Silney:
"I represent Jean Silney. His family and our office express sincere condolences to Ms. Rozar’s family. Mr. Silney retired from the Navy in 2006 and has lived in Jacksonville ever since. He has been a loyal employee of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority for almost 12 years. Although Mr. Silney disagrees with the statements issued by JTA, he has and will continue to fully cooperate with the JSO's and JTA’s investigation. He is withholding further comment until those investigations conclude."
JTA announced Silney's termination on Monday. On Tuesday, JTA released the specific violations cited as grounds for termination of the former bus operator.
According to JTA, Silney's violations were as follows:
- F2.38 Failure to follow Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) as recorded in section E of the Operators’ Rule Book (ORD) (See Below)
- E2.1 Operators must be constantly alert for any condition that may cause injury or damage and be ready to bring the bus to an immediate stop. Operators must guard JTM or JTA property from fire or damage.
- E2.6 Operators must not allow buses to move until they are certain that no one is boarding or alighting, and that all doors are closed.
- F3.23 Conduct unbecoming a JTM operator.
- F3.25 Major preventable accident involving multiple or catastrophic personal injury or death.
The termination came days after Silney reportedly ran over 50-year-old Jeanie Louise Rozar. Witnesses said Rozar's arm became stuck in the door as she was getting off the bus.
"When [the bus driver] realized her arm was in the door, he stopped the bus and opened the door," the witness said. "When he opened the door, her arm came out and she got caught up under the bus."
Ocean Street was closed for multiple hours as police investigated the incident.
JSO is still investigating and it is unclear if Silney will face any charges.