Full Breakdown
Florida Surgeon Arrested While Driving Lyft Amid Manslaughter Case
4/25/2026, 7:58:12 PM
The Arrest at a Miramar Beach Intersection
Body-camera footage shows Walton County sheriff’s deputies confronting Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky in a Mitsubishi SUV at a Miramar Beach intersection on April 13, 2025. Deputies arrived with weapons drawn, handcuffed the surgeon, and escorted two female passengers from the back seat. Shaknovsky asked, “May I ask what this is about?” before being taken to a squad car.
Background and Legal Context
Prosecutors allege that during a laparoscopic operation on August 21, 2024, Shaknovsky removed patient William Bryan’s liver instead of his spleen, causing fatal blood loss. A prior case involved Dorothy Dorsett, who died in August 2023 after a mass-removal surgery allegedly followed by inadequate sepsis care. State records show Shaknovsky’s Florida medical license was suspended about a month after Bryan’s death, and his licenses in Alabama and New York were revoked. He drove for Lyft for over a year, with a five-star rating on 3,000 rides. He was indicted on second-degree manslaughter a week before his arrest and faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
Official Statements & Responses
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office said Shaknovsky “knew he had a felony warrant” and that “a felony stop requires guns drawn.” The department noted he had been given notice to surrender voluntarily. Lyft’s spokesperson said the company “removed the driver from the Lyft platform as soon as we became aware of the driver’s arrest” and is “in contact with the ride requester to offer support.”
Criticism & Opposition
Passengers described the encounter as terrifying, with one stating, “That scared the crap out of us.” Their reaction underscores public concern about ride-share safety. The video shows deputies shouting commands, weapons drawn, and the two women trembling. One passenger later joked, “We’re not using Lyft again,” adding, “From now on, we’re using Uber.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Shaknovsky and his attorney have not responded to media inquiries. Civil lawsuits filed by the families of Bryan and Dorsett remain unresolved, leaving facts pending.
Verbatim Quotes
- “May I ask what this is about?” — Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky
- “That scared the crap out of us,” — Passenger
- “Shaknovsky knew that he had a felony warrant, and he still chose to put people in his vehicle, and he ran that risk,” — Corey Dobridnia, sheriff’s spokeswoman
- “As soon as we became aware of the driver’s arrest, we removed them from the Lyft platform, and have been in contact with the ride requester to offer support,” — Lyft spokesperson
What’s Next
Shaknovsky is set to be arraigned on May 19, 2025. The criminal case will proceed in Florida courts, while civil suits continue seeking damages for the families.
