Chaos Outside East Hollywood Nightclub Leaves 30 Injured In Sidewalk Crash

 

What began as a vibrant Saturday night outside a bustling East Hollywood nightclub turned into a scene of devastation when a car plowed through a crowd, injuring at least 30 people — seven of them critically.

The crash happened shortly after 2 a.m. outside The Vermont Hollywood, where 29-year-old Fernando Ramirez had reportedly been ejected from the venue for disruptive behavior. Moments later, he allegedly drove his car into the crowd gathered on the sidewalk, striking patrons, food vendors, and a valet stand.

According to police, bystanders pulled Ramirez from the car, beat him, and one person shot him before officers arrived. Ramirez was taken into custody and hospitalized. He is expected to face multiple charges, including attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon.

A Night of Celebration Turns Violent

The crowd had gathered for valet services, late-night food, and entry to the nightclub, which was hosting a reggae-hip hop event. According to witnesses, a fight broke out just before the vehicle struck, hitting several structures including a hot dog stand operated by Maria Medrano and her husband.

“The car stopped once it hit the hot dog stand; it got stuck there,” Medrano said from the hospital. “If not, I wouldn’t be here to tell” the story.

Emergency responders arrived to find injured people sprawled on the pavement, some bleeding and motionless. Blood stained the street as firefighters provided emergency care and rushed victims to local trauma centers.

Investigation and Arrest

LAPD officials confirmed that Ramirez had been kicked out of the club shortly before the crash. Reviewing security footage, police say the driver veered intentionally onto the sidewalk, suggesting a deliberate act.

Authorities also believe Ramirez was intoxicated at the time. He remains hospitalized after undergoing surgery for a gunshot wound sustained during the confrontation with bystanders. Police are still searching for the man believed to have shot him, described as wearing a blue jersey and possibly armed with a silver revolver.

There is currently no indication that the incident was tied to terrorism or planned criminal activity beyond what officials believe was an impaired and violent reaction.

Massive Emergency Response

The Los Angeles Fire Department deployed 124 firefighters to the scene. Seven victims were hospitalized in critical condition, six in serious condition, and ten in fair condition. Another seven were treated at the scene and declined transport. Victims included 18 women and 12 men, mostly in their 20s and 30s.

The injuries ranged from broken bones to soft tissue trauma. One victim suffered a gunshot wound.

“We’re very fortunate there were no deaths,” said LAFD spokesperson Erik Scott. “When you have 30 people injured and seven in critical condition, the coordinated efforts of our public safety partners made all the difference.”

Community Response and Ongoing Investigation

Witnesses and victims praised the selflessness of strangers who stepped in to provide aid before emergency responders arrived. Cell phone videos show people comforting and helping one another amid chaos and confusion.

“People were waiting to go inside the nightclub, ordering tacos — they’re seeing people they don’t even know injured, and they stepped in to help,” said Capt. Adam VanGerpen of the fire department.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called the crash a “heartbreaking tragedy” and commended first responders for their swift action. “The hearts of Angelenos are with all of the victims impacted this morning,” she said. “A full investigation into what happened is underway.”

As police continue their investigation, the city remains shaken by what could have been a far deadlier night in East Hollywood.