At least 30 injured after car plows into crowd outside music venue in Los Angeles
After the crash, the driver was shot by a person who remains at large.
At least 30 people were injured after a car plowed through a crowd early Saturday in East Hollywood, Los Angeles, authorities said.
After the crash, the driver was pulled from the car by bystanders and then shot and wounded by an unknown person, who remains at large, police said.
Police identified the driver as 29-year-old Fernando Ramirez. He was taken to the hospital after the shooting but has been booked into jail on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon. The district attorney will determine formal charges in the coming days.
The incident began unfolding around 2 a.m. local time outside the music venue The Vermont, near the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and Vermont Avenue in east Los Angeles.
As of Saturday afternoon, at least one person -- a woman in her 20's with leg injuries -- was still in critical condition, police said, with several others in serious condition. In total, 24 patients were taken to the hospital.
The crash occurred after an individual was removed from a nearby business, the Los Angeles Police Department said. That person then allegedly drove a vehicle into a crowd, according to police.
After the vehicle became disabled, bystanders in the crowd dragged the driver outside the car and began to physically assault them, according to police. At some point during the physical altercation, the driver was shot by a male who is still outstanding.
The motive for the crash is still under investigation, the LAPD said. While the motive for plowing into the crowd is unknown, it has been determined he was shot after he crashed into the crowd, sources told ABC News.
The suspect who shot the driver fled the scene on foot and was last seen heading westbound from Vermont Avenue. The suspect is described as a Hispanic male, approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall, 180 pounds, bald, wearing a blue jersey, and possibly armed with a silver revolver, according to the LAPD.
The Vermont released a statement saying it is working closely with law enforcement to "ensure the person responsible for this horrific act is held fully accountable."
"We are deeply saddened by the tragic accident that occurred early Saturday morning outside our venue. Our thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with the victims and their families during this difficult time," the venue said.
"At approximately 2 a.m., after the conclusion of an event and as patrons were exiting the venue, a driver veered onto the sidewalk and struck multiple individuals. The suspect was immediately taken into custody by LAPD and an investigation is currently underway," The Vermont said.
Authorities said 124 fire personnel responded to the scene.
The crowd outside the music venue included clubgoers, valet attendants and food vendors from a nearby taco stand, according to the fire department.
The police department is investigating the cause and motive of the crash.
"This is a heartbreaking tragedy," Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said Saturday. "I want to thank the more than 100 LAFD and LAPD personnel who responded to the scene to help to save lives."
She added, "The hearts of Angelenos are with all of the victims impacted this morning — a full investigation into what happened is underway."
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
