Driver Charged In Hit-And-Run Death Of Miami Beach Pedestrian

MIAMI BEACH, FL -- A driver has been charged in the hit-and-run death of a Miami Beach pedestrian early Thursday morning. The incident happened around 3:10 a.m. at 15 Street and Alton Road, according to Miami Beach police.

Thirty-seven-year-old Volodymyr Shyshko of Fort Lauderdale was charged with driving under the influence manslaughter, leaving the scene of a crash involving death and related offenses.

Ernesto Rodriguez of the Miami Beach Police Department said the male pedestrian would not be immediately identified pending notification of the next of kin. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

Driving a white Volkswagen Jetta, Shysnko allegedly struck the man as he was attempting to cross Alton Road in the 1400 block toward the beach.

"Shortly after, officers located the vehicle and possible suspect at 59 Street and Collins Avenue," said Rodriguez. Arrest documents said the Jetta had damage consistent with the crash.

Arrest documents said Shysnko had bloodshot or watery eyes and an odor of alcohol on his breath. Miami Beach police said they gave Shysnko a field sobriety test, which he did not perform to standards.

A passenger in the Jetta told Miami Beach police that Shysnko was driving at the time of the crash. Shysnko refused a consensual blood test but one was conducted by Miami Beach Fire Rescue personnel "due to exigent circumstances" at the time of the traffic stop.

"While in the DUI room, defendant spontaneously stated that he knew he hit something but did not know what he hit," arrest documents said.

Miami Beach police said they also found a small amount of marijuana in Shysnko's left rear pant pocket.

Rodriguez said traffic along Alton Road at 15 Street was closed in both directions for a time.