A terrifying incident unfolded early Saturday morning in East Hollywood when a vehicle plowed into a crowd outside a packed nightclub, injuring over 30 people and throwing the city into shock. The crash occurred outside The Vermont Hollywood nightclub, a popular weekend destination for partygoers on Santa Monica Boulevard.
Around 2:00 a.m., as dozens of patrons waited to enter or stood near food vendors, a gray sedan suddenly swerved onto the sidewalk and accelerated into the crowd. The impact was immediate and devastating.
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Scene Turns Chaotic in Seconds
According to witnesses, the car struck multiple people before crashing into a food stand and a valet station. Victims were thrown to the ground, some pinned under debris and others screaming for help. Many described the moment as “like a bomb went off” due to the sounds of metal clashing, people shouting, and the sudden panic.
First responders arrived within minutes. Paramedics, firefighters, and police quickly cordoned off the area and began triaging the injured. A total of 23 people were transported to local hospitals. Seven remain in critical condition, six are in serious condition, and the rest sustained minor injuries. Several others declined hospital treatment at the scene.
Key Points Summary
- Time of incident: Approximately 2:00 a.m.
- Location: The Vermont Hollywood, Santa Monica Blvd., East Hollywood
- Injured: Over 30; 23 hospitalized
- Driver: Identified and arrested
- Weapon used: Gray Nissan sedan
- Shooter: Unknown male fled the scene after shooting the driver
- Response: Over 100 emergency personnel dispatched
Driver Beaten and Shot After Crash
After the vehicle came to a halt, several witnesses rushed to pull the driver from the car. The man, believed to be in his late twenties, was reportedly beaten by bystanders. Moments later, someone in the crowd pulled out a firearm and shot the driver in the back. The shooter then ran off into the night and has not yet been identified.
The injured driver was taken into custody and remains in stable condition under police watch at a local hospital. Charges are pending and are expected to include multiple counts of assault with a deadly weapon.
Police Treating Incident as Intentional
Los Angeles police officials have stated that preliminary evidence suggests the act was intentional. Surveillance footage reportedly shows the driver making a U-turn before steering directly into the crowd. The man had been escorted out of the nightclub twice earlier in the night for aggressive behavior, according to early witness statements.
Investigators are reviewing security camera footage and interviewing dozens of witnesses. Toxicology tests are underway to determine whether drugs or alcohol played a role.
Victims Describe Narrow Escapes
People at the scene said the driver gave no warning. A street vendor operating a food cart said she jumped out of the way just in time. Another witness recalled seeing bodies fly into the air after the car surged forward.
One young woman waiting in line for the club said she had just stepped aside to check her phone when the car crashed exactly where she had been standing. “Ten more seconds and I’d be in the hospital—or worse,” she said.
The crash also injured several employees of nearby businesses, including valet workers and food vendors who had no connection to the nightclub.
Officials React and Urge Calm
City officials expressed deep concern over the tragedy and praised first responders for their quick action. The mayor’s office issued a brief statement offering support for the victims and families affected.
Law enforcement urged the public to avoid speculation about motives until the investigation concludes. The LAPD confirmed they are working diligently to track down the shooter who fired at the suspect after the crash.
Focus on Nightclub Safety
This incident has sparked renewed debate over safety measures in nightlife areas. Suggestions from the public include installing sidewalk barriers or bollards to protect pedestrians in high-traffic zones, especially during late-night hours.
Business owners in the area expressed their shock and said more needs to be done to ensure patrons and employees are protected outside their establishments.
Investigation Still Ongoing
Police continue to gather evidence and are appealing for any videos, photos, or eyewitness accounts from the night of the crash. Authorities confirmed that the driver is in custody and will be formally charged once medically cleared.
Meanwhile, the search continues for the unidentified shooter who took matters into his own hands. Officials warned that vigilante actions—no matter the motive—only complicate investigations and add to the violence.
This story has left the community shaken. As more facts come to light, residents are hoping for justice and healing. If you witnessed anything or were at the scene, authorities encourage you to contact the local tip line.
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