In a shocking event early Saturday morning, a driver intentionally rammed his car into a crowd in East Hollywood, injuring 30 individuals following a dispute inside a nightclub. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) reported that the incident occurred shortly after 2 a.m. local time outside the Vermont Hollywood, a popular nightclub located on Santa Monica Boulevard. The police are still investigating the motive behind this tragic act.
According to Sgt. Horacio Aguirre, the on-duty commander of the Central Traffic Division, the driver engaged in a physical altercation with several patrons inside the nightclub before exiting and getting into his vehicle. "He decided for whatever reason that he was going to run over the people on the sidewalk," Aguirre explained. At the time, many club-goers were gathered outside the venue following a Reggaeton-themed dance party.
The driver, operating a Nissan Versa subcompact car, plowed into the crowd, striking not only pedestrians but also a taco truck and a valet stand. The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) reported that seven individuals were critically injured, while six others sustained serious injuries, and ten were in fair condition. Notably, seven additional people assessed at the scene opted not to seek medical care.
Following the collision, surrounding spectators reacted quickly, pulling the driver from his vehicle and attacking him. During this chaotic scene, one individual shot the driver, who was subsequently hospitalized and expected to undergo surgery. As of now, the gunman remains unidentified and at large, according to Aguirre.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass (D) expressed her condolences, calling the incident in East Hollywood a "heartbreaking tragedy." She praised the swift response of over 100 personnel from the LAFD and LAPD, stating, "The hearts of all Angelenos are with East Hollywood this morning and those impacted." Mayor Bass assured the public that a thorough investigation would be conducted to uncover the details surrounding this horrific event.
This incident adds to a growing list of unsettling occurrences in Los Angeles, a city already grappling with challenges such as wildfires and civil unrest linked to immigration enforcement. Just a day prior to this event, an explosion at a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department training facility resulted in the tragic deaths of three deputies.
As investigations continue, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office has indicated that law enforcement has not yet presented charges against the driver involved in the incident. The nightclub, Vermont Hollywood, has stated that they are cooperating with law enforcement to ensure that the person responsible for this horrific act is held accountable.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that can arise from disputes, particularly in crowded venues, and underscores the need for ongoing community safety measures.
