A vehicle slammed into a crowd outside a packed East Hollywood nightclub early Saturday, injuring dozens and setting off a chaotic and deadly chain of events.
According to The Independent, the driver, who had been removed from the Vermont Hollywood nightclub hours before, crashed into pedestrians shortly after 2 a.m. Saturday, injuring 30 people and triggering both a violent mob attack and a shooting at the scene.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the incident began just after 2 a.m. outside the corner of Vermont Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard, where dozens of people were spilling out of a popular local venue known for late-night music events. The Vermont Hollywood had just finished hosting a reggaeton and hip-hop party, drawing a large crowd to the area. That’s when a man behind the wheel of a Nissan Versa mounted the sidewalk and barreled into pedestrians assembled near the entrance.
Authorities said the suspect had previously been kicked out of the club for disruptive behavior. After leaving the venue, he returned in his vehicle and drove directly into the crowd gathered outside. Surveillance video reviewed by police indicated the act appeared deliberate.
LAPD Capt. Ben Fernandes stated that video footage showed the car veering intentionally onto the sidewalk further down the block before striking the victims. The driving pattern led investigators to believe the crash was not accidental. Officials confirmed that 30 people were ultimately injured—seven of them critically, with several others in serious, fair, or minor condition.
Chaos Erupts After Suspect is Pulled from Car
Once the car came to a stop, it collided with a food cart that had been set up by the curb. Maria Medrano, a worker stationed at the cart, said she and her husband narrowly avoided being struck by the vehicle. “The car stopped once it hit the hot dog stand,” she said. “If not, I wouldn't be here to tell (the story).”
According to Francisco Mendez, his family members working at the food cart sustained injuries. “They were both hit and are now hospitalized,” he said about his sister-in-law and her husband. As stunned bystanders quickly surrounded the vehicle, the driver was forcefully pulled from the car. Club security reportedly handcuffed the man, but chaos soon escalated. Fernandes confirmed that the driver was then assaulted by a group of individuals on-site in the moments following the crash.
Shooting Amid the Aftermath Adds to Emergency
As if the situation weren’t already volatile, witnesses and police say an unidentified man took out a firearm and shot the suspect. The shooter, described as a Hispanic male, around 5-foot-9 and 180 pounds with a bald head, allegedly fired from across the street. He was reportedly wearing a blue jersey and may have used a silver revolver in the assault. After firing, the gunman fled on foot and was last seen heading west on Vermont Avenue. The suspect behind the wheel was found with a gunshot wound and taken to a local hospital. His identity had not been made public as of Sunday, and his current medical status was unknown.
Capt. Adam VanGerpen of the Los Angeles City Fire Department described the scene as chaotic. He said emergency responders had to manage multiple people in various states of injury, including one individual with a potential gunshot wound inside the vehicle.
Authorities and Community React to Shocking Violence
LAPD officers responded to the scene under a call for assault with a deadly weapon. Upon their arrival, they encountered the suspect being beaten by pedestrians. Officers intervened to provide medical aid and ensured the wounded man was transported to the hospital for treatment.
Photos taken at the site show fire and rescue teams moving among a crowd of injured people, with broken food stands and debris scattered alongside the curb. Police quickly secured the area and had the vehicle towed for investigation.
The Vermont Hollywood club released an official statement shortly afterward, expressing condolences to those affected. “Our thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with the victims and their families during this difficult time,” the statement read. The club also pledged full cooperation with law enforcement and thanked first responders for their swift action.
Mayor and Police Underscore the Severity of Incident
Mayor Karen Bass characterized the incident as a “heartbreaking tragedy,” commending emergency agencies for their coordination during a particularly volatile situation. She did not comment on the motives behind the crash but emphasized the city’s commitment to holding the perpetrator accountable.
While the exact motive remains under active investigation, LAPD officials have emphasized that preliminary evidence—including video footage—suggests an intentional act. “From review of the video, he went up to the sidewalk further down and when he hit bystanders it was an intentional act," Fernandes reiterated. The shooting suspect remains at large, and authorities have asked the public for assistance in identifying and locating him. Anyone with details is urged to contact the LAPD's Central Division immediately.
