Webster PD reveals name of driver responsible for hit-and-run on Empire Blvd.

Penfield resident is charged with multiple felonies, a misdemeanor, and two violations

Maxwell Mason Ward, 27, of Penfield

***

After Webster residents have been inquiring for weeks about the identity of the driver involved in the fatal hit-and-run on Empire Boulevard on June 20, the Webster Police Department has finally released a name. Maxwell Mason Ward, 27, of Penfield was arrested for hitting pedestrians, one of which he killed, and then driving away from the scene.

Four pedestrians, all of the same family, were struck by Ward’s vehicle while walking to get ice cream. Mariana Zakharchyshyn, age 22, and Maksym Tsybrii, age 3, were transported to the hospital and released. Oleksandra Zakharchyshyn, age 15, is in guarded condition at Strong Memorial Hospital.

Oksana Zakharchyshyn, 41, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Ward has been charged with one count of Criminally Negligent Homicide (class E felony), one count of NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law section 600 2 (c) ii Leaving the scene of a fatality (D felony), one count of NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law 600 2 (c) i Leaving the scene of serious physical injury accident (E felony), two counts of NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law section 600 2 (a) Leaving the scene of a personal injury accident (A misdemeanor), one count of NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law section 1128 Moving from Lane Unsafely (violation), and NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law section 1146 Failure to Use Due Care for a Pedestrian (violation).

Ward was arraigned by Webster Town Justice Thomas DiSalvo on July 14. He was remanded to Monroe County Jail in lieu of $25,000 cash or $100,000 insurance bond. A preliminary hearing is set for Friday, July 17, 2020 at 12 p.m.

“This is an ongoing investigation,” Webster Police Chief Joseph Rieger stated in an official press release. “I will not comment further about any statements or evidence collected during this investigation.”