JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A man has been arrested after a pedestrian who was walking on a sidewalk along Bowden Road was struck and killed by a Jeep.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office told News4Jax that Anthony Perry Veto, 41, was taken into custody Thursday. Jail records show he’s facing charges including DUI manslaughter.
According to Lt. Rich Bouye, with the Sheriff’s Office, the pedestrian -- a woman -- was struck from behind by a Jeep that jumped a curb. She died at the scene.
Neighbors told News4Jax the woman could be seen exercising along the sidewalk daily. They said she was just a block away from home.
“She walks every night. Bless her soul. Walks every night and goes home,” said Jody Applewhite, a neighbor, whose fence was damaged by the Jeep.
Applewhite said the woman was on the phone with her fiancé when she was hit.
“All of a sudden he heard a lot of commotion and stuff and then her phone went dead,” Applewhite explained.
Neighbors said the woman was not only engaged, but a mother and a caretaker for her own mother.
JSO said good Samaritans kept Veto at the scene, taking away his car keys until police arrived.
Court records show Veto was previously arrested a month ago and charged with DUI.
Jail records Friday night showed Veto was being held on a $55,000 bond.