Florida Driver Hits and Critically Injures Data Scientist on Electric Scooter During Birthday Ride in Miami

Jonathan King had planned a low-key birthday celebration in Florida with his girlfriend, Myra Yomjinda.

The 34-year-old data scientist envisioned a relaxing day before catching a flight back to California, but what was supposed to be a joyful trip quickly turned into a terrifying ordeal.

On December 15, around 5:15 p.m., King and Yomjinda were riding his electric scooter along Giralda Avenue, heading toward The Biltmore Hotel.

As they stopped to wait for traffic before turning onto Douglas Road, a white Audi SQ7 SUV suddenly struck King, narrowly missing Yomjinda.

The collision crushed his left leg under the tire of the SUV, leaving him in extreme pain.

A Moment of Terror

King recalls the incident in vivid detail. “I was screaming in agony.

My girlfriend was pounding on the car, yelling, ‘Go back! Go back!’” he said.

The tire was inches from completely severing his leg.

In a frantic moment, Yomjinda ran to the driver’s side and managed to convince him to reverse, finally freeing King.

The driver, James Bailey, 40, a Miami investor and husband of actress Devon Aoki, reportedly appeared unaware of what had happened at first.

Video footage shows King trapped against the SUV, his foot pinned and leg bent unnaturally under the tire.

Fleeing the Scene

Instead of staying to help, Bailey drove away.

Police later tracked him to his $9.1 million Miami mansion, where he attempted to evade officers.

He was arrested and charged with leaving the scene of a crash causing bodily injury and resisting an officer without violence.

Bailey was released on a $7,500 bond.

Legal Action Begins

King filed a lawsuit in Miami-Dade County Circuit Court on December 18, targeting both Bailey for negligence and serious injury and his wife, Aoki, under Florida’s Dangerous Instrumentality Doctrine, which can hold vehicle co-owners responsible for accidents.

King is seeking millions in damages and has requested a jury trial.

Criminal defense attorney Michelle Suskauer, representing Bailey, declined to comment, though she told TMZ her firm is still gathering information about the incident.

King’s attorney, Justin Shapiro, described the case as “bizarre and tragic” and expressed concern over Bailey’s conduct.

Investigating the Accident

Shapiro said investigators are looking into whether Bailey was under the influence at the time of the crash.

“Leaving the scene after running someone over is one of the most disgraceful things a person can do, which is why it’s a felony,” he explained.

The legal team is also planning to pursue punitive damages, which could consider the financial standing of both Bailey and Aoki.

According to the complaint, Bailey never checked on King, offered aid, or exchanged information.

Multiple witnesses documented the SUV’s license plate, and automated systems captured it fleeing the scene.

Police later confirmed the vehicle had minor damage consistent with striking a scooter.

A Long Road to Recovery

King, an active individual, faces an uncertain recovery.

He sustained multiple fractures and may require several surgeries, including the possible insertion of metal plates and screws. “It’s been chaotic and emotional.

The pain is constant, and every day has been traumatic,” he shared.

King is recovering at Yomjinda’s home in Portland, Oregon, as he awaits further treatment.

Next Steps in Court

Bailey’s next court date is set for February 13.

Meanwhile, King’s lawsuit and the criminal case continue to unfold, with legal teams investigating every detail of the hit-and-run.

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