Hollywood Horror: Car Plows Into Crowd Outside Nightclub—At Least 30 Injured, 7 Critically

By Rebekah Riess, John Miller, Julia Vargas Jones

A chaotic and terrifying scene unfolded in East Hollywood early Saturday morning, as a car barreled into a crowd waiting outside The Vermont Hollywood nightclub, injuring at least 30 people—seven of them critically—according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

A Night Out Turns to Nightmare

It was around 2 a.m. when the sidewalk outside the popular music venue was packed with people—some lining up for valet, others grabbing late-night tacos, and many just waiting to get inside. Suddenly, a car accelerated onto the sidewalk, smashing through a taco stand, the valet podium, and finally into the crowd.

“It was a very chaotic scene,” said Capt. Adam VanGerpen of the Los Angeles Fire Department. “People were helping each other out—strangers coming together to aid the injured.”

From Disruptive Guest to Suspect

According to LAPD Captain Ben Fernandes, the driver—identified as 29-year-old Fernando Ramirez—had been kicked out of the club for disruptive behavior just moments before the incident. Surveillance footage reviewed by police reportedly shows Ramirez intentionally driving into the crowd further down the sidewalk.

After the crash, chaos erupted: bystanders pulled Ramirez from the car, restrained him, and some began to beat him. In the midst of the scuffle, an individual from across the street shot Ramirez in the back. Police later clarified that the gunshot wound was to his buttocks.

Immediate Aftermath and Investigation

First responders arrived to a scene of devastation: injured partygoers scattered across the sidewalk and street, some with broken bones, others with soft tissue injuries, and at least one with a gunshot wound. Seven victims were transported in critical condition, six in serious condition, and ten in fair condition. Seven others declined hospital transport after being assessed.

The victims ranged from their mid-20s to early 30s, including 18 women and 12 men, according to LAPD Commander Lillian Carranza.

Despite the severity of the incident, authorities say there is no indication of terrorism or any motive beyond possible intoxication. “We’re very fortunate there were no deaths,” said LAFD’s Erik Scott, praising the rapid and coordinated response of emergency personnel.

The Hunt for the Shooter

While Ramirez was taken into custody—facing charges of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon—the man who shot him fled the scene, described by police as wearing a blue jersey and armed with a silver revolver. He is currently considered armed and dangerous.

Community in Shock

The Vermont Hollywood club released a statement expressing deep sadness and support for the victims and their families, pledging full cooperation with the ongoing investigation.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called the incident a “heartbreaking tragedy,” thanking the more than 100 first responders who rushed to the scene and promising a thorough investigation.

A Night That Changed Everything

Video from the aftermath showed injured people being treated on the sidewalk, some carried away on stretchers as police cordoned off the area. Witnesses described strangers helping each other, turning a scene of horror into one of solidarity and resilience.

As the investigation continues, the community grapples with the aftermath of a night that was supposed to be filled with music and fun—but ended in tragedy.