An arrest has been made in a deadly hit and run crash on Empire Boulevard last month.

Max Ward, 27, of Penfield made his way into Webster Town Court to answer to charges in connection with the June 20 fatal crash.

What You Need To Know


  • Max Ward has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges stemming from a June 20 fatal accident that left a 41-year-old woman dead

  • It took three weeks for an arrest 

  • The complaint alleges Ward was distracted when he went to pick up his cell phone, applied his brakes, and then sped up to leave the scene

Ward pleaded not guilty to criminally negligent homicide, several different counts of leaving the scene of a fatal accident, along with traffic violations.

Oksana Zakharchyshyn, 41, was struck and killed as she walked to get ice-cream with her two daughters and young grandson.  

They were also injured. 

It took three weeks for an arrest.

"I know that the community has been very interested in this arrest and somebody be brought to justice, but it was very important for the Webster police to do the excellent work that they do, and to make sure they did a thorough investigation," said Monroe County Assistant District Attorney Merrick Sadler.

In court paperwork, the complaint states that prior to the crash, Max Ward stopped at a smoke shop, and witnesses say he was smoking, and then bent to pick up his cell phone, and was not able to navigate the curve in the road. The complaint goes on to allege Ward applied his brakes and then sped up to leave the scene. 

Ward's attorney says his client was present with his father when he turned himself in the night of the crash.

"From the beginning, he has been very concerned about the condition of these three survivors. It is a tragedy, and he understands that, he recognizes that, it has taken a toll on him no doubt it's a sad situation," said defense attorney Brian DeCarolis.

Questions were asked about why Ward is accused of fleeing the scene —but then turned himself in to police later that night.

"I can't speculate to the state of mind, why you might put a car in a garage and why you might turn yourself in," said Sadler. "That will have to be shown through the evidence as the case proceeds."

Ward remains in custody and the next court date is Friday.

"It is my hope that this arrest may bring some closure to the Zakharchyshyn family. This certainly was a tragic event for the family as well as the community at large," said Webster Police Chief Joseph Rieger.

The Webster Police Department says the investigation is still ongoing, and anyone with any information is asked to call 911.