Early Saturday morning, a Nissan Versa sedan plowed into a waiting crowd outside The Vermont Hollywood club, injuring 30 people and igniting chaos on a popular stretch near Sunset Boulevard.
Los Angeles Police Department spokesperson Lillian Carranza said the driver, whom bystanders pulled from the vehicle and detained, was hospitalized under police custody. Charges under review include attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon.
Bystanders caught in the drama attacked the driver after reports emerged of a preceding gunshot. Officers arriving on scene found the suspect wounded by a bullet, adding layers of complexity to the unfolding investigation.
Emergency crews responded en masse: over 100 firefighters, paramedics, and law enforcement converged on East Hollywood. Of the 30 victims—18 women and 12 men aged mid-20s to early 30s—seven remain in critical condition, six in serious condition, and ten suffered minor injuries.
The impact toppled a taco truck and valet stand as patrons waited in line for food and access to the sold-out reggae and hip-hop event inside the club. Social media footage captured panicked crowds, stretched on blood-stained sidewalks, and tearful reunions.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass described the crash as “a heartbreaking tragedy” and vowed a thorough investigation. The Vermont Hollywood echoed their condolences, stating they were “deeply saddened by this tragic incident.”
As the community reels from the incident, questions loom over nightclub security and urban pedestrian safety in nightlife districts worldwide. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities seeking the gunman who reportedly shot the driver before fleeing on foot.
Reference(s):
Man in custody after car plows into Hollywood crowd, injuring 30
cgtn.com
