Car Plows Into Crowd in East Hollywood, Injuring 30 People
Driver Shot as Bystanders Rush to Help Victims
A Saturday night turned violent in East Hollywood when a car drove into a crowd waiting outside a music venue, injuring 30 people. The crash happened just after midnight on Santa Monica Boulevard near Vermont Hollywood. The driver was later found to have been shot, and police are now searching for a suspected gunman who fled the scene.
What Happened
Authorities say a Nissan Versa slammed into a line of people gathered outside Vermont Hollywood, a venue that was hosting a reggae-hip hop event. The crash also hit a nearby food cart and valet stand. It happened along a busy stretch of Santa Monica Boulevard, just as crowds were gathering to enter the club.
The Los Angeles Fire Department reported that 23 people were rushed to local hospitals and trauma centers. Seven of them were in critical condition. A total of 30 people were hurt in the crash.
Who Was Involved
The driver, who has not yet been named, was found injured at the scene. Paramedics discovered he had been shot and transported him to a hospital. It’s still unclear whether he was shot before or after the crash.
According to police, the suspected shooter ran away and has not been found. Witnesses say he was wearing a blue jersey and carrying a silver revolver.
“This is under police investigation,” said Fire Capt. Adam VanGerpen. “This will be a large investigation with the LAPD.”
What Witnesses Saw
People nearby described a chaotic scene. Many ran to help victims before emergency crews arrived.
Maria Medrano and her husband were working at their hot dog stand near the venue when the crash happened. She said they had just witnessed a fight outside the club minutes before the car hit the crowd.
“The car stopped once it hit the hot dog stand — it got stuck there,” Medrano told The Associated Press from the hospital. “If not, I wouldn’t be here to tell” the story.
After the crash, she said she heard what sounded like gunshots and saw people running in all directions.
Emergency Response
The Los Angeles Fire Department arrived quickly to treat the injured. Officials say the area was crowded, and multiple agencies are now working together to investigate what happened.
Capt. VanGerpen said that many of the people hit were women standing in line outside the venue. “This was a very chaotic scene,” he added.
The music event at Vermont Hollywood was scheduled to run from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. The venue has not yet commented on the incident.
What Happens Next
Police are continuing to investigate both the crash and the shooting. They are reviewing surveillance footage and speaking with witnesses to understand what led to the violence.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Los Angeles Police Department.
As of now, the motive behind the crash and the shooting is still unknown. Authorities have not ruled out any possibilities.
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