Man Shot After Vehicle Hits Crowd Outside Los Angeles Nightclub, Injuring 30
A car crashed into a group of individuals waiting to enter a nightclub on a busy boulevard in Los Angeles early Saturday morning, resulting in injuries to 30 people and inciting an attack on the driver by bystanders, according to authorities.
Los Angeles police later reported that the driver had sustained gunshot wounds, and they are currently searching for the suspected shooter who fled the scene.
It remains unclear whether the driver was shot before or after the collision or what prompted him to drive into the crowd, as noted by a spokesperson from the Los Angeles Police Department.
According to police reports, twenty-three individuals were transported to nearby hospitals and trauma centers. The Los Angeles City Fire Department indicated that at least three victims are in critical condition following the incident on Santa Monica Boulevard in East Hollywood.
Fire Captain Adam Van Gerpen described how a line of mostly female patrons were waiting outside the nightclub when they were struck by a Nissan Versa that also collided with a taco truck and valet stand.
“They were all standing in line to enter the club. There was a taco cart nearby, so they were getting food while waiting. Additionally, there was a valet line present,” stated Van Gerpen, who serves as a public information officer. “The valet podium was destroyed, along with the taco truck, and numerous individuals were impacted by the vehicle.”
Witnesses inside the club rushed out to assist shortly before emergency responders arrived to aid those injured.
The driver was discovered with gunshot wounds when paramedics arrived and has since been taken to a local hospital; however, his identity and current condition have not been disclosed. The assailant has been described as male, wearing a blue jersey and armed with a silver revolver.
“This situation is currently under police investigation,” Van Gerpen remarked. “This will be an extensive inquiry conducted by LAPD.”
Vermont Hollywood, where this incident occurred, was hosting an event featuring reggae and hip hop music from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m., according to its online schedule. A request for comment left with the business has not yet received a response.
Prior to this incident, Maria Medrano, who operated a food cart outside of the venue, reported that there had been an altercation among attendees outside.
Shortly thereafter, she recounted that their hot dog stand was nearly hit when the car barreled through.
“The vehicle stopped after colliding with our hot dog stand—it got stuck there,” Medrano told The Associated Press from her hospital bed. “If it hadn’t gotten stuck there, I wouldn’t be here sharing my experience.”
Medrano mentioned hearing what sounded like gunfire following the crash.
“Everyone began running,” she recalled.
