Additional Coverage:
East Hollywood Nightclub Crash Turns Violent; Driver Shot by Bystander
Los Angeles, CA—A Saturday morning crash outside an East Hollywood nightclub has left 30 people injured and the driver shot by a bystander, according to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).
Initially believed to be accidental, the LAPD now suspects the driver intentionally plowed into the crowd around 2 a.m. Seven of the victims sustained critical injuries, while 23 others suffered less serious harm.
The driver, identified as 29-year-old Fernando Ramirez, was allegedly ejected from the club earlier in the evening for excessive intoxication. Following the crash, Ramirez was pulled from his vehicle and shot by a bystander.
He was transported to a local hospital for surgery and now faces charges of assault with a deadly weapon. Due to the immediate need for surgery, police were unable to determine his blood alcohol content at the time of the incident.
The shooter, described by the LAPD as a Hispanic male, approximately 5’9″, 180 pounds, bald, wearing a blue jersey, and possibly armed with a silver revolver, fled the scene on foot. Anyone with information regarding his identity is urged to contact the LAPD.
While the LAPD has not officially named the venue, Vermont Hollywood released a statement confirming the incident occurred outside their establishment after an event. They pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation.
Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center confirmed receiving several victims with minor injuries, all of whom are in stable condition.
Mayor Karen Bass issued a statement expressing her sympathy for the victims and assuring the public that a full investigation is underway. The LAPD is currently reviewing surveillance footage to reconstruct the events leading up to the crash.