University of Miami Shuttle Bus Driver Arrested After Coral Gables Crash, Facing DUI And License Charges

Arrest follows crash near U.S. 1 in Coral Gables

A University of Miami shuttle bus driver was arrested in Coral Gables after police said he caused a crash while driving under the influence of alcohol. The arrest occurred Monday afternoon, Feb. 16, 2026, shortly before 3:30 p.m., near the 300 block of U.S. 1.

Police identified the driver as Timothy Kowalewski, 45, of Tamarac. Officers arriving at the scene reported finding him seated in the driver’s seat. Fire-rescue personnel were requested after an officer noted signs of possible medical distress, including profuse sweating. After he was medically evaluated and cleared, the criminal investigation continued.

Police observations and refusal allegations

Investigators documented multiple indicators they associated with impairment, including red and watery eyes, slurred speech, and unsteadiness while standing. In statements attributed to the arrest paperwork, Kowalewski told officers he did not remember the crash.

Authorities said he refused to participate in field sobriety exercises and declined to provide a breath sample. In Florida DUI investigations, refusals can lead to additional allegations and administrative consequences, and they are frequently referenced in arrest documentation when prosecutors later evaluate charging decisions.

Charges filed and booking details

Following the on-scene investigation, Kowalewski was transported for medical clearance and then booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. Jail records listed the following charges:

• Driving under the influence (DUI)
• Two counts of DUI causing property damage
• Refusal to submit to a breath test while driving with a suspended license

By Tuesday morning, Feb. 17, 2026, he was no longer listed as an inmate after posting a $3,500 bond.

Campus transportation and accountability questions

The case raises immediate operational questions for university transportation systems that operate in dense, high-traffic corridors such as U.S. 1, where shuttles regularly interact with student pedestrians, cyclists, and commuter traffic. While the publicly available information focused on the arrest and charges, further clarity typically depends on the crash report, any vehicle or surveillance evidence, and agency determinations of fault and damage.

Police documentation indicates the driver declined both field sobriety exercises and a breath test following the crash.

The university had not publicly detailed any employment or service-status decisions related to the driver at the time the arrest information became public. The criminal case will proceed through court filings, hearings, and any potential plea negotiations or trial scheduling, with outcomes dependent on evidence presented and judicial rulings.