In the heart of East Hollywood, a night out turned tragic when a car crashed into a crowd waiting to enter the Vermont Hollywood nightclub, injuring thirty individuals. Reports indicate that seven of those injured are in critical condition, with six more seriously hurt. The crash occurred at around 2:00 AM local time on Saturday.
Authorities from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) are treating the incident as an intentional act, noted for the driver’s premeditated U-turn before the attack. Eyewitnesses reported that bystanders acted quickly to subdue the driver, who was then shot during the chaos. The driver was promptly taken to the hospital for surgery, although details about his condition remain unclear.
The vehicle reportedly veered through a taco stand and valet area before colliding with the group of waiting patrons. Scene footage portrays a damaged grey car amidst debris and a considerable emergency response.
At the time of the crash, the club was hosting a lively reggae and hip-hop event, with the potential witness to a party atmosphere shortly turned chaotic. Law enforcement officials believe the driver may have been under the influence of alcohol.
In the wake of the event, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed her sympathies for the victims, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation. "It was a very chaotic scene," remarked LAFD Captain Adam VanGerpen, highlighting the community’s immediate response to aid the injured. Police are seeking a suspect involved in the shooting, described as a bald Hispanic man in a blue jersey, who fled the scene with a weapon.
