LOS ANGELES (BN24) — A chaotic and violent scene unfolded early Saturday in East Hollywood when a car careened into a crowd outside a popular music venue, injuring at least 30 people and prompting a massive emergency response. The driver, who authorities say intentionally rammed into the group, was later shot during a confrontation and remains hospitalized in surgery. The suspected shooter fled the scene and is still at large.
The crash occurred around 2 a.m. near the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and Vermont Avenue, outside The Vermont, a live music venue. According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, 23 victims were transported to hospitals, including seven in critical condition and six in serious condition. More than a dozen others were treated at the scene.
Police said the crash followed an altercation involving the driver, who had allegedly been removed from a nearby business shortly before he returned in a vehicle and drove into a crowd of patrons, valet workers, and street vendors gathered outside the venue.
As the vehicle came to a stop, bystanders dragged the driver from the car and began to assault him. During the melee, the driver was shot by an unidentified male who fled on foot. The Los Angeles Police Department described the suspect as a Hispanic male, approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing around 180 pounds, bald, wearing a blue jersey, and possibly armed with a silver revolver. Authorities say he was last seen heading westbound from Vermont Avenue.
The motive for the crash remains under investigation, but LAPD sources told ABC News that the driver will face charges of assault with a deadly weapon. The shooting occurred after the driver struck the crowd, not before, according to initial findings.
“This is a heartbreaking tragedy,” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said Saturday. “The hearts of Angelenos are with all of the victims impacted this morning — a full investigation into what happened is underway.” She also thanked the more than 100 fire and police personnel who responded swiftly to the incident.
The Vermont issued a statement expressing sorrow over the crash and said it was working closely with investigators. “We are deeply saddened by the tragic accident that occurred early Saturday morning outside our venue. Our thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with the victims and their families during this difficult time,” the venue said.
Authorities deployed 124 fire personnel to the scene to assist with triage and transportation of the injured. The crowd at the time included concertgoers, food vendors from a nearby taco stand, and valet staff.
The LAPD is continuing its investigation into both the crash and the shooting. No arrests have been made in connection with the gunfire.
