A man suspected of driving his car into a crowd of people in Los Angeles(LA) has been charged with assault with a deadly weapon. The incident occurred outside a nightclub in East Hollywood, where 30 people were injured. According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), a line of mostly women were waiting to enter the Vermont Hollywood music venue when the car struck at 02:00 local time on Saturday.
The LAPD is investigating the crash as an intentional act because the driver made a U-turn before ramming through the crowd. Police said that when officers arrived, bystanders had dragged the driver out of the Nissan Versa and were attacking him. One assailant shot the driver, who was taken to hospital for surgery. His condition is unknown.
The vehicle drove through a taco stand, through a valet podium, and then into the crowd, according to police. The nightclub was hosting a reggae and hip-hop event at the time. A law enforcement official told CNN the driver is believed to have been intoxicated. Police described the suspect who opened fire during the melee before fleeing on foot as a bald Hispanic man wearing a blue jersey and potentially armed with a silver-colored revolver.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called the incident a “heartbreaking tragedy”. “The hearts of Angelenos are with all of the victims impacted this morning – a full investigation into what happened is under way,” she said. LAFD Captain Adam VanGerpen described the scene as “very chaotic” and praised the bystanders who helped people after the crash.
On Saturday night, seven people were in critical condition, and six were in serious condition. Ten suffered minor injuries, while seven left the hospital against medical advice. The victims have all been taken to hospitals or trauma centers. Captain VanGerpen said, “It was a very chaotic scene,” adding that “a lot of bystanders by the club came out to help people”. The large police presence remained at the scene for hours as investigators worked to reconstruct the moments leading up to the crash.
The incident has left the community shaken, with many questioning how such a tragedy could occur. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash and the shooting of the driver. The suspect who opened fire remains at large, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
