Driver Crashes into Crowd in East Hollywood, Injuries Reported

Categories: Breaking NewsCrimeDisastersNews

Emergency personnel assist injured people outside The Vermont Hollywood nightclub following a devastating incident.

News Summary

A disturbing incident occurred in East Hollywood when a driver plowed into a crowd, injuring at least 36 people, including 7 in critical condition. The suspect, Fernando Ramirez, had been escorted from The Vermont Hollywood nightclub due to disruptive behavior linked to intoxication. The Los Angeles Police are treating the crash as intentional as they investigate the motivations and circumstances surrounding the event, which left many in shock and mourning in the community.

Los Angeles – A driver drove his Nissan Versa onto the sidewalk outside The Vermont Hollywood nightclub in East Hollywood early Saturday morning, injuring at least 36 people, of whom 7 are in critical condition. The incident occurred around 2 a.m. and involved a crowd consisting of clubgoers, valet attendants, and food vendors from a nearby taco stand.

The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Fernando Ramirez from San Clemente, California, reportedly drove into the crowd after being escorted from the nightclub due to his disruptive behavior, which included being intoxicated. The Los Angeles Police Department has stated that evidence suggests the crash was an intentional act, and they are reviewing security footage from the area for further insight.

In addition to those critically injured, injuries varied from minor pains to serious fractures and lacerations across various victims. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene with over 120 personnel to assist the injured. Medical reports indicated that while 7 victims were in critical condition, 6 were in serious condition, and 10 others were listed as having fair conditions. Some individuals declined medical assistance on the scene.

Authorities revealed that Ramirez has a criminal history, including a felony battery conviction and a previous hate crime conviction from 2019. He was reportedly on parole at the time of the incident. Following the crash, bystanders attempted to pull Ramirez from his car and inflicted injuries upon him. During the chaotic event, he sustained a gunshot wound, believed to have been inflicted by a suspect who remains at large.

The suspected shooter has been described as a bald Hispanic male, approximately 5’9″ tall, wearing a blue jersey with the number “5,” and seen with a silver revolver. As police continue their investigation into the motives behind the crash, updates are expected as the situation unfolds.

Eyewitness accounts from the scene depict scenes of chaos, with individuals lying on the ground bleeding and many people frantically fleeing to escape the situation. The Vermont Hollywood nightclub expressed profound sadness over the incident and announced that an event scheduled for later that night has been postponed in respect to the victims and their families. The nightclub is also cooperating fully with law enforcement as they work to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Furthermore, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed her condolences to the victims and emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the tragic event. As more details continue to emerge, the community and law enforcement are united in their efforts to analyze the events surrounding this alarming occurrence.