THE public utility jeepney (PUJ) driver who hit the seashell vendor at Araneta Street, Barangay Tangub, Bacolod City was released after his reglementary period lapsed Friday morning, December 13.

Police Major Charles Gever, chief of Police Station 8, said they released Arnold Villarta, 34, of Calumangan, Bago City after the lapse of the 18-hour reglementary period.

He said Villarta already talked with the family of Nelia Bo-oc and he agreed that he will help the family of the victim.

Bo-oc, 74, of Purok San Roque, Barangay Tangub, died after she was hit by a PUJ driven by Villarta Thursday morning.

Villarta, who was traveling from Bacolod to Pulupandan, failed to notice that Bo-oc was crossing the pedestrian lane with her seashells and when he applied the brake, it also malfunctioned.

The victim died on the spot due to serious injuries.

Villarta voluntarily surrendered to Police Station 8. In the past, the suspect was also involved in a traffic accident in Bago City.