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CBS News
12 hours ago
- CBS News
Search continues for gunman who allegedly shot driver that plowed into East Hollywood crowd
Los Angeles police are still searching for the alleged gunman who opened fire on a driver shortly after he plowed into a crowd of people outside of a nightclub in East Hollywood and injured more than three dozen people. The crash was reported a little before 2 a.m. on Saturday outside of the Vermont Hollywood, located in the 4600 block of Santa Monica Boulevard near Vermont Avenue, according to Los Angeles firefighters. Thirty-seven people were injured in the crash, seven of which were hospitalized in critical condition, six who were serious injured and 10 who were in fair condition as of Monday, according to LAFD. A motive still remains unclear, but police said that the suspect had been previously kicked out of a club in the area that night. After the collision, onlookers pulled the driver from the car and attacked him. In the midst of the chaos, one of the bystanders also opened fire on the suspect, striking him in the buttocks. The driver, 29-year-old Fernando Ramirez, was taken into custody and hospitalized for the gunshot wound, but police are now searching for his shooter. "Anyone that tales a firearm and shoots at another individual, even if they did a heinous crime, it's not appropriate," said LAPD Captain Ben Fernandes. "We need to identify this individual, because if we don't then they just became entitled and they will shoot another person, and that's what we need to prevent." He is described as a man standing about 5-foot-6 who weights between 150 and 170 pounds. He was wearing a blue Dodgers jacket, a light blue jersey with the No. 5 and blue jeans, seen in surveillance footage from outside of the club. Police said that his large ear gauges and goatee are distinguishable features. He was also bald in photos released by LAPD. Detectives believe the suspected shooter was across the street when Ramirez was pulled from the car. They say that surveillance video shows him talking to members of the crowd before walking up to Ramirez and opening fire. As for Ramirez, who has a extensive and violent criminal history dating back more than a decade, he now faces 74 charges for the collision. If convicted as charged, he could spend life in prison. Anyone who knows more about the gunman's whereabouts is asked to contact LAPD at (213) 484-3424.
Boston Globe
2 days ago
- Boston Globe
Suspect in Los Angeles car-ramming incident has a criminal history and was on parole, police say
Los Angeles police Capt. Ben Fernandes told KNBC-TV on Sunday that Ramirez was sentenced in 2020 for attacking a man outside of a Whole Foods grocery store in June 2019. He was on parole at the time of Saturday's crash, but it's unclear whether it was in connection with the 2019 attack or another case. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Ramirez has had at least 11 criminal cases ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, KNBC reported. In January 2022, he was charged with felony domestic battery and entered a not guilty plea. That case remains open. Advertisement A line of people — mostly women — were waiting to enter the Vermont Hollywood event venue around 2 a.m. when they were struck by a Nissan Versa that also hit a food vending cart and valet stand, Fire Capt. Adam VanGerpen said Saturday. At least 36 people were treated for injuries including fractures and lacerations, police said Sunday without providing updates on their conditions. Advertisement It was not immediately clear if Ramirez was shot before or after the crash or why he drove into the crowd.
The Independent
2 days ago
- The Independent
Suspect in Los Angeles car-ramming incident has a criminal history and was on parole, police say
A man suspected of driving his car into a crowd on a sidewalk in Los Angeles, injuring 36 people, has a criminal history that includes a conviction for felony battery, officials said Sunday. The driver, identified by police as 29-year-old Fernando Ramirez, was attacked by bystanders after the crash early Saturday in east Hollywood and paramedics later found that he had been shot. Police were still searching for the suspected shooter, described as a man with a goatee in a blue Dodgers jacket. Ramirez, of San Clemente, California, was recovering and was expected to face a felony charge of assault with a deadly weapon. He could not be reached for comment and it wasn't known if he had an attorney. Los Angeles police Capt. Ben Fernandes told KNBC-TV on Sunday that Ramirez was sentenced in 2020 for attacking a man outside of a Whole Foods grocery store in June 2019. He was on parole at the time of Saturday's crash, but it's unclear whether it was in connection with the 2019 attack or another case. Ramirez has had at least 11 criminal cases ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, KNBC reported. In January 2022, he was charged with felony domestic battery and entered a not guilty plea. That case remains open. A line of people — mostly women — were waiting to enter the Vermont Hollywood event venue around 2 a.m. when they were struck by a Nissan Versa that also hit a food vending cart and valet stand, Fire Capt. Adam VanGerpen said Saturday. At least 36 people were treated for injuries including fractures and lacerations, police said Sunday without providing updates on their conditions. It was not immediately clear if Ramirez was shot before or after the crash or why he drove into the crowd.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Driver whose car plowed into crowd outside Hollywood club injuring 23 shot and attacked by bystanders
The driver suspected of ramming his vehicle into revelers outside an East Hollywood nightclub was beaten and then shot by bystanders, police said. Seven people are in critical condition after the driver of the Nissan Versa, who has not been identified, crashed into bystanders outside The Vermont Hollywood club at the corner of Vermont Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard at around 2 a.m. Saturday. In total, 23 people were taken to a local hospital for medical treatment, police said. LAPD Captain Ben Fernandes told the LA Times that the suspected driver was thrown out of the club earlier for being disruptive. After he drove into the crowd, bystanders pulled him from the vehicle and started assaulting him. He was then shot from across the street by a suspect who remains at large, according to police. Seven people are in critical condition after the driver of the Nissan Versa crashed into bystanders outside The Vermont Hollywood club at the corner of Vermont Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard at around 2 a.m. Saturday. (AXN News/Reuters) 'From review of the video, he went up to the sidewalk further down and when he hit bystanders it was an intentional act,' Fernandes told the outlet. 'He was pulled from the car, handcuffed by security and then beaten by bystanders before being shot in the back by an individual from across the street.' The driver's condition is not known. 'We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred early Saturday morning outside our venue,' Vermont Hollywood said in a statement. 'Our thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with the victims and their families during this difficult time.' In total, 23 people were taken to a local hospital for medical treatment, police said. (AP) The Los Angeles Fire Department said 124 fire personnel responded to the scene when the call came in. Revelers were leaving the club when the car mounted the sidewalk, with many standing in line for food from a nearby taco truck. Maria Medrano, who was working a food cart outside, recalled how she and her husband narrowly escaped after the car struck their stand, crushing it. '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).' First responders at the scene after a car hit crowds near an East Hollywood nightclub (AXN NEWS/YouTube) Medrano said she heard what appeared to be gunshots after the crash. 'Everyone started running,' she said. Speaking from the scene, LA Fire Department Capt. Adam VanGerpen earlier claimed that the driver lost consciousness, but the department later said they could not confirm it despite initial reports. Footage from the scene showed dozens of emergency responders treating victims on the street. The Associated Press contributed reporting
