A chaotic scene unfolded in Los Angeles early Saturday when a man rammed his vehicle into a crowd of people waiting to enter a nightclub, injuring 30 individuals, several critically.
The incident took place around 2 a.m. outside the Vermont Hollywood club in the Rampart Village area.
Authorities received reports of an assault with a deadly weapon and quickly arrived at the scene, where they found the suspect, identified as 29-year-old Fernando Ramirez, being attacked by bystanders.
Amid the chaos, a bystander shot Ramirez before fleeing the scene.
Ramirez was taken to a local hospital for treatment, where he has been charged with assault with a deadly weapon.
Fortunately, he sustained non-life-threatening injuries from the gunshot.
The Los Angeles Fire Department reported that of the 30 adults injured in the incident, 23 required medical attention, with 7 in critical condition, 6 in serious condition, and 10 in fair condition.
Seven individuals reportedly declined ambulance transportation.
LAPD Public Information Officer Jeffrey Lee noted that, thankfully, no fatalities have occurred as a result of the incident.
Currently, the motive behind the driver’s actions remains unclear.
Reports indicate that a potential dispute transpired between the driver and patrons inside the nightclub prior to the ramming episode, which led to Ramirez being ejected from the establishment.
Officer Lee emphasized that the investigation would delve into all possibilities, including whether the incident was intentional, related to DUI, or personal in nature.
L.A. Fire Department spokesperson Brian Humphrey clarified that Ramirez’s vehicle struck a taco truck, a valet stand, and then collided with numerous individuals waiting in line.
In a statement, Fire Capt. Adam VanGerpen elaborated, describing the scene as a line of predominantly female patrons waiting to enter the club when the Nissan Versa plowed into them.
Medrano, who was operating a food cart nearby, reported hearing a fight erupt outside the club shortly before the car struck the crowd.
She recounted the traumatic moment, saying, “Everyone started running” after they heard gunshots following the vehicle’s impact.
Law enforcement is actively searching for the shooter, described as a Hispanic male, approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing around 180 pounds, and bald.
Authorities consider the shooter armed and dangerous, urging the public to come forward with any information.
As the investigation progresses, the LAPD will continue to pursue leads to piece together the events leading up to this alarming incident.
image source from：npr
