A chaotic scene erupted outside The Vermont Hollywood nightclub early Saturday when a patron, who had been ejected for disruptive behavior, deliberately drove his gray Nissan Versa into a crowd of clubgoers, injuring 30 individuals, seven of whom are in critical condition.
The incident occurred around 3 a.m. as people were gathering outside the venue, which was hosting a popular dance event known as the Trapeton Party. This party attracts a predominantly Latino audience and features reggaetón and hip-hop music.
Witness accounts described a near-instantaneous transformation of the lively atmosphere into one of horror as the vehicle veered onto the sidewalk, striking both a valet stand and a taco stand, before colliding with a light standard.
Footage shared on social media captured the aftermath of the crash, showcasing numerous individuals dressed for a night out lying bloodied on the ground.
One bystander expressed disbelief and concern for those affected, loudly asking nearby women, “Can you feel your legs, ladies?”
According to LAPD Captain Ben Fernandes, the suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed pending booking, was removed from the club for being disruptive shortly before the attack.
“From the review of the video, he maneuvered his vehicle onto the sidewalk and struck bystanders in what appears to be an intentional act,” Captain Fernandes stated.
After the crash, a group of bystanders dragged the driver from his car, where he was handcuffed by club security. In the ensuing melee, the driver was reportedly beaten by the crowd before a bystander shot him in the back while fleeing the scene.
The driver endured critical injuries and was transported to a hospital for surgery. He is currently in stable condition, according to officials. Twenty-three other individuals were also hospitalized, receiving treatment at various local facilities.
The rapid response from emergency services was crucial; over 124 firefighters and paramedics were dispatched to the site to attend to the injured.
Adam VanGerpen, a spokesperson for the L.A. City Fire Department, described the scene as overwhelmingly chaotic, with many patrons waiting in line to enter the club while others were simply enjoying tacos from nearby food vendors.
Jennifer Garcia, a jewelry vendor setting up for the weekend flea market, recounted how the scene unfolded as she approached.
“I usually am right in front of the club,” said Garcia. “But I came and I saw all these fire trucks, and I was like, what is wrong?”
As daylight broke on Saturday, the street began to return to normal as the flea market resumed operations. However, the remnants of the tragic event lingered, with visible signs of the crash, including a pool of blood and some discarded personal items.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass addressed the public, expressing her condolences and gratitude to the emergency personnel.
“This is a heartbreaking tragedy. I want to thank the more than 100 LAFD and LAPD personnel who responded to the scene to help to save lives,” Mayor Bass stated.
Meanwhile, police are actively searching for the gunman who shot the driver. Witnesses described him as a Latino male, approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing around 180 pounds, and wearing a blue jersey. It remains unclear if he was armed at the time of the shooting.
This incident highlights the potential dangers associated with nightlife activities, drawing attention to public safety as communities seek to enjoy leisure activities.
image source from：latimes
