Bail set for man accused of hit-and-run on Milwaukee's east side
MILWAUKEE - A Milwaukee County court commissioner has set bail at $20,000 for a marine accused of plowing into a college student last week at a busy intersection on the city's east side.
Douglas Davis made his first court appearance in the case. He faces a charge of hit-and-run with great bodily harm.
Davis allegedly struck Mai Kaw Xiong with his Volkswagen at the corner of North Farwell and East North Avenue last week, leaving her for dead.
He walked into court handcuffed and in a jump suit, far from the clean-cut Marine image he once had.
"(It) seems to be a very strong case for the state," said Court Commissioner Kevin Costello. "The likelihood of incarceration even at this point is great."
A witness claims seeing Davis speeding on Farwell when he swerved to avoid someone, but struck Xiong.
Xiong is recovering in a Milwaukee-area hospital from injuries including a crushed pelvis, broken femur and internal bleeding.
"The person that's struck (is) currently in an induced coma," said Milwaukee County Prosecutor Paul Tiffin. "There is a chance that person may die."
Xiong's family and friends are holding out hope that she will recover from her injuries.
"She means everything to me," said Bee Lee Xiong, her mother.
Davis' defense attorney says his client is a Marine veteran who served four years in the corps.
"He has served this country honorably," claimed Rosemary Reyes-Cuevas, who is representing Davis.
Prosecutors argued that Davis fled the scene, then took steps to hide his car.
"You made a statement that you panicked and drove off. That causes me concern," said Costello.
Xiong's friends are still trying to understand how this could happen.
"Honestly, I don't know how someone has the heart to just hit her and drive off," said Isela Ramirez.
Davis' family defends him.
"He is genuinely a big-hearted person," explained his sister, who requested not to be interviewed on camera. "A lot of love, a lot of compassion."
An anonymous tip led to Davis' arrest. He reportedly tried to hide his car inside a garage and lied to his father about how his car was damaged.
If Davis is convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison.
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