JULY 19 – A vehicle plowed into a dense crowd outside a popular music venue in East Hollywood, leaving at least 30 people injured and one woman in critical condition. The crash occurred shortly after 2 a.m. near the corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and Vermont Avenue, leading to a thorough investigation by local law enforcement.
Tragedy Strikes in the Early Hours
According to the Los Angeles Police Department LAPD, the violent crash took place as a large group of people was gathered outside The Vermont, a well-known entertainment spot in the area. Patrons had just exited the venue following an event when a driver suddenly swerved off the road and slammed into individuals on the sidewalk. The scene quickly turned chaotic as emergency responders rushed in to provide aid and contain the area.
Of the 30 injured, 24 were transported to local hospitals for further treatment. Several victims remain in serious condition, with one young woman in her 20s suffering from critical leg injuries. Fire officials confirmed that over 120 fire personnel responded to the scene, including paramedics and search-and-rescue teams, in an urgent effort to stabilize the wounded and clear the area of hazards.
The LAPD identified the driver as 29-year-old Fernando Ramirez. Authorities say Ramirez was ejected from the vehicle by a group of bystanders after the crash. What followed escalated the situation even further: Ramirez was physically assaulted by members of the crowd, and during the altercation, he was shot by an unknown person. The gunman, believed to be a Hispanic male around 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing approximately 180 pounds, fled the scene on foot and remains at large. He was last seen heading west on Vermont Avenue wearing a blue jersey and is possibly armed with a silver revolver.
Ramirez survived the gunshot wound and was transported to the hospital for treatment. However, he has since been booked into jail on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon. Officials have stated that the district attorney will determine the formal charges after reviewing the details of the case.
The crash reportedly began after an individual was removed from a nearby business, according to the LAPD. That person, allegedly Ramirez, then returned and deliberately drove a car into the crowd outside the music venue. Investigators are still working to determine a motive for the attack, and at this stage, authorities have not ruled out whether the act was intentional or a reaction to a previous altercation.
The Vermont, the venue where the incident occurred, issued a formal statement expressing deep sorrow and confirming their cooperation with law enforcement agencies. “We are deeply saddened by the tragic accident that occurred early Saturday morning outside our venue,” the statement read. “Our deepest sympathies go out to the victims and their loved ones as they navigate this challenging time.”
The venue also confirmed the timeline of the incident, explaining that the crash happened shortly after an event had ended and patrons were leaving the premises. “Around 2 a.m., as an event ended and guests were leaving the venue, a vehicle suddenly swerved onto the sidewalk and hit several people. The suspect was immediately taken into custody by LAPD and an investigation is currently underway,” the statement continued.
Witnesses at the scene described a terrifying moment of confusion and panic as the vehicle barreled through the crowd. Food vendors, valet attendants, and clubgoers were among those caught in the impact. The force of the crash caused bodies to be thrown to the pavement and sparked frantic efforts to rescue those trapped or injured.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed deep concern and sympathy for those affected. “This is a heartbreaking tragedy,” she said in a public statement. “I’m grateful to the over 100 members of the LAFD and LAPD who arrived at the scene to provide lifesaving assistance. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this morning’s tragedy, and a complete investigation is currently in progress.”
As of now, investigators are working to gather surveillance footage, witness statements, and other evidence to piece together the chain of events. While the motive for the crash has not yet been established, law enforcement officials are treating the case with urgency and caution.
Community members and local leaders are also calling for justice and safety reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The LAPD has urged anyone with information related to the shooter or the circumstances leading up to the crash to come forward.