Man arrested after killing pedestrian in hit-and-run crash, Miami Beach police say

Volodymyr Shyshko accused of being under influence of alcohol at time of crash

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – A man was killed early Thursday morning in a hit-and-run crash in Miami Beach, authorities confirmed.

According to Miami Beach police spokesman Ernesto Rodriguez, the pedestrian was struck by the car around 3:10 a.m. in the area of 15th Street and Alton Road.

"I look over and I see this guy's body just flying through the intersection," Shawn Ebert, who witnessed the crash, said. "And this car just kept going. Probably 50-60 mph. Hit 'em hard."

Rodriguez confirmed the driver, identified as Volodymyr Shyshko, 37, of Fort Lauderdale, drove away after the crash and the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officers located the car and Shyshko a short time later at 59th Street and Collins Avenue, Rodriguez said.

"That subject vehicle was located within 30 minutes at another part of Miami Beach," Rodriguez said. 

Authorities said Shyshko was in a Volkswagen Jetta.

According to an arrest report, Shyshko had bloodshot eyes and his breath smelled of an alcoholic beverage. 

Police said Shyshko refused to a consenual blood draw. Blood was eventually taken at the scene of the traffic stop by Miami Beach Fire Rescue personnel, authorities said. 

Police said a small amount of marijuana was found in his pocket at the police station. 

Roadways surrounding the scene of the hit-and-run were reopened by 8:20 a.m.

The victim's was identified Friday as 52-year-old Joseph Twardy. 

Shyshko was arrested on charges of DUI manslaughter, DUI, vehicular homicide, leaving the scene of a crash resulting in a death and possession of cannabis. 


About the Authors:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.

Saira Anwer joined the Local 10 News team in July 2018. Saira is two-time Emmy-nominated reporter and comes to South Florida from Madison, Wisconsin, where she was working as a reporter and anchor.