The MTA bus driver involved in an accident that killed a 70-year-old woman in Ocean Hill appeared in court Wednesday.

Paul Roper, 48, is charged with leaving the scene of an accident, failure to yield to pedestrians and failure to exercise due care. Police say the woman was killed by an MTA bus at 6:15 a.m. Tuesday as she tried to cross the street at the corner of Sackman and Fulton streets. Officials say a video shows Roper driving past the scene after hitting the woman.

Ropers' wife along with his friend were in court to support him. His friend says she feels bad for the woman's family, but expressed that Roper is a loving, caring, "gentle giant." She says her friend doesn't drink, smoke or do drugs and doesn't have a criminal record. 

An MTA spokesperson says Roper has been suspended without pay. The MTA is investigating the incident.