Former Miami Beach Restaurateur Arrested After Alleged Aventura Hit and Run, Years After Fatal Crash Plea Deal
AVENTURA, Fla. — A former Miami Beach restaurateur with a history of hit and run offenses is facing new felony charges after police say he struck multiple vehicles along Biscayne Boulevard, fled the scene, and was ultimately apprehended at Aventura Mall after victims followed him.
Authorities identified the suspect as Jonathan Eismann, the former owner of the once popular Pacific Time restaurant on Lincoln Road in Miami Beach. According to investigators, the incident unfolded along Biscayne Boulevard in Aventura, where surveillance and witness video captured a chain of collisions. Police say Eismann first struck one vehicle before crashing into a second and then driving away without stopping to provide assistance or exchange information.
The victims refused to let the suspect escape. Instead, they followed his vehicle to Aventura Mall, where responding officers took him into custody. Both victims suffered minor injuries during the crashes.
Facing Two Felony Charges
Miami-Dade authorities charged Eismann with:
- Two felony counts of leaving the scene of a crash involving injuries.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges could be considered depending on the outcome of the case.
Crash Revives Memories of Fatal 2012 Hit and Run
The arrest has renewed attention to Eismann’s previous criminal case stemming from a fatal hit and run crash in 2012. That collision claimed the life of 29 year old Jean Carlos Ruiz, a husband and father whose death drew significant public attention in South Florida. Although prosecutors initially pursued serious charges, Eismann ultimately reached a plea agreement in 2019.
Under that deal, he pleaded guilty to:
- Careless driving
- Leaving the scene of a crash involving injuries
The agreement allowed him to avoid prison. Instead, he received:
- One year of probation
- Suspension of his driver’s license
The resolution of the earlier case sparked criticism from some observers who argued the punishment failed to reflect the severity of a fatal hit and run.
Victims Helped Lead Police to the Suspect
Unlike many hit and run investigations that rely heavily on surveillance footage or public tips, this case ended quickly because the victims continued following the suspect after the collisions. Police intercepted the vehicle at Aventura Mall, where officers detained Eismann without a prolonged pursuit. Authorities have not publicly released additional information regarding whether impairment, distraction, or another factor may have contributed to the crashes.
Hit and Run Penalties in Florida
Florida law requires drivers involved in crashes resulting in injury or death to immediately stop, remain at the scene, provide identifying information, and render reasonable aid when necessary. Leaving the scene of an injury crash is generally prosecuted as a felony and can carry substantial prison sentences, driver’s license revocation, and significant fines. Prosecutors often seek enhanced penalties when defendants have prior convictions or similar criminal histories.
Investigation Continues
The Aventura Police Department continues to investigate the incident. Anyone who witnessed the crashes or has additional video evidence is encouraged to contact investigators. The charges against Eismann are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
