Lyft driver Kehinde Ayoola is taking legal action against both Lyft and Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston after a passenger attacked him during a ride. The incident occurred earlier this year when Ayoola picked up Ramiro Vella from the hospital. According to Ayoola, Vella wrapped the seatbelt around his neck and attempted to strangle him, stating that he was trying to kill him. Vella has since been charged with Aggravated Assault.
The attack has had a profound impact on Ayoola, leaving him fearful and anxious about potential future assaults. He stated that even when his grandson sits in the backseat, he is still scared. As a result of his fears, Ayoola has not picked up any passengers since the incident. This is significant considering he had been a rideshare driver for seven years prior to the attack.
When Ayoola arrived at the hospital to pick up Vella, he noticed that the passenger was behaving strangely and appeared to be fidgeting. Ayoola questioned the hospital staff about Vella’s condition and was assured that everything was fine. Even the security guard confirmed that there were no issues. However, shortly after Vella entered the car, he started talking to himself, beat his chest, and moved to the seat behind Ayoola. It was there that he grabbed the driver’s seatbelt and proceeded to choke him.
In a desperate attempt to free himself, Ayoola tried to put his fingers between his neck and the seatbelt, but was unsuccessful. Vella then placed him in a chokehold. Ayoola managed to pull the car over to the side of the road, but Vella continued his violent behavior. He kicked out the back window, dented the vehicle, and even opened the trunk. Eventually, Vella fled to a nearby house where he began yelling and trying to gain entry. The homeowner called 911, leading to Vella’s arrest.
As a result of this traumatic incident, Ayoola has suffered financially and emotionally. He has faced a loss of wages, accumulated medical bills, and had his entire life turned upside down. His attorney, Osayuki Ogbeidet, described Ayoola as an innocent, hardworking man who was simply trying to complete a Lyft journey that had been arranged by Memorial Hermann Hospital. Ogbeidet emphasized that Ayoola expressed his concerns to the hospital staff, who reassured him that Vella would be okay.
The lawsuit filed by Ayoola seeks to hold both Lyft and the hospital accountable for the attack. It alleges negligence on the part of Lyft for not properly vetting its passengers and on the part of the hospital for failing to inform Ayoola of any potential risks associated with transporting Vella. The next court date for Vella is set for September 25th.
