A man was arrested after driving into a crowd outside a Los Angeles nightclub, injuring at least 30 people on July 19. The police identified the driver as 29-year-old Fernando Ramirez, who was taken into custody on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon.
The incident occurred around 2:00 a.m. on Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood. Witnesses reported that after Ramirez collided with the crowd, he was pulled from his vehicle by bystanders. An officer mentioned that someone from the crowd shot him, leading to his hospitalization, but he is now in stable condition.
Authorities are contemplating further charges against Ramirez, including attempted murder. The district attorney will decide the final charges.
The Los Angeles Fire Department stated that among the 30 victims, seven were in critical condition, six were serious, and some refused transport to hospitals. The driver who shot Ramirez escaped the scene and is believed to be armed.
According to witnesses, the incident happened after security escorted a patron from the Vermont Hollywood club. As people gathered outside, including a taco cart and valet service, the car struck them, causing significant chaos.
Vermont Hollywood issued a statement expressing sadness over the tragic event and confirmed their cooperation with law enforcement to ensure accountability for those involved. They also thanked first responders for their prompt actions.
