Driver Plows into Crowd Outside Hollywood Music Venue, Injuring 30; Suspect Shot by Bystander
A horrific and chaotic scene unfolded early Saturday morning outside "The Vermont Hollywood," a music venue in East Hollywood, Los Angeles. A driver intentionally plowed a vehicle into a crowd of people, injuring at least 30 individuals. In the violent aftermath, the driver was pulled from the car by bystanders and shot.
Key Details of the Incident:
The Crash and Casualties:
Time and Location: The incident occurred around 2:00 AM local time on Saturday, July 19, 2025, near the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and Vermont Avenue.
Victims: A crowd of people waiting to enter the nightclub, including those at a nearby taco stand and valet attendants, were struck by a Nissan Versa. The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) reported that 30 people were injured, with 18 females and 12 males among them, primarily ranging in age from their mid-twenties to early thirties.
Injuries: At least seven individuals are in critical condition, six are in serious condition, and several others sustained minor injuries. A total of 23 patients were transported to local hospitals and trauma centers for medical treatment. Seven other patients declined transport.
The Driver and Aftermath:
Intentional Act: According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), based on video review, the act of driving the car into the crowd appears to have been intentional. The driver, identified as 29-year-old Fernando Ramirez, reportedly made a U-turn before slamming into the crowd.
Prior Altercation: LAPD Captain Ben Fernandes stated that the suspected driver had been removed from the club earlier for being disruptive before the crash.
Bystander Intervention and Shooting: After the vehicle came to a stop, enraged bystanders reportedly pulled Ramirez from the car and began to assault him. During this altercation, the driver sustained a gunshot wound. Authorities are actively searching for a suspected gunman, described as a bald Hispanic man in a blue jersey with a silver revolver, who fled the scene. It remains under investigation whether Ramirez was shot before or after the crash.
Driver's Condition and Arrest: Fernando Ramirez was transported to an area hospital, where he underwent surgery and is reported to be in stable condition. He has since been arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and remains in custody as the investigation continues.
Response and Investigation:
Emergency Response: More than 100 personnel from the LAFD and LAPD rapidly responded to the "chaotic scene," establishing a large triage area to manage the numerous casualties.
Ongoing Investigation: The LAPD is conducting a thorough investigation into the full circumstances of the crash, the motive behind the intentional act, and the shooting of the driver. The shooting incident itself is also being investigated as a separate crime.
Witness Accounts: Witnesses, including a hot dog vendor whose stand was crushed, described a scene of immediate panic and reported hearing what sounded like gunshots after the car struck.
Official Statements: Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass condemned the incident as a "heartbreaking tragedy" and commended the swift response of emergency personnel. The Vermont Hollywood venue also released a statement expressing deep sadness and offering thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families.
This incident underscores the disturbing trend of vehicle-ramming attacks and highlights the volatile nature of such events, which can quickly escalate into further violence.
I'm Aisha shehu
Talksocialtalka News
