36 Injured After Driver Rams Crowd Outside Hollywood Nightclub; Driver Had Prior Violent Felony Conviction
A driver who allegedly plowed into a crowd outside The Vermont Hollywood nightclub early Saturday morning has been identified as 29-year-old Fernando Ramirez of San Clemente, California. The incident, which occurred around 2:00 AM local time, left at least 36 people injured, with 7 in critical condition and 6 in serious condition. Ramirez, who police believe acted intentionally after being kicked out of the club, has a lengthy criminal history, including a prior felony assault conviction.
Incident Details: Driver Intentionally Struck Crowd
The incident took place outside The Vermont Hollywood, located near N. Vermont Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard in East Hollywood. Many of the injured were waiting in line to enter the club or were patronizing nearby food vending carts. According to police reports, Ramirez was ejected from The Vermont Hollywood for disruptive behavior shortly before the incident. He then allegedly made a U-turn in his vehicle and intentionally drove onto the sidewalk, striking the crowd, a food vending cart, and a valet stand.
Bystanders Attack Driver Aftermath
Following the crash, bystanders pulled Ramirez from his vehicle and physically assaulted him. During the altercation, Ramirez sustained a gunshot wound. Police arrived to find Ramirez being attacked by bystanders. He was then transported to a local hospital for surgery. His current condition remains unknown, though he is recovering from his injuries while in police custody.
Ramirez Booked on Assault Charges; Shooting Under Investigation
Fernando Ramirez has been booked on charges of assault with a deadly weapon and force likely to produce great bodily injury. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is also investigating the shooting of Ramirez as a separate incident. The suspected shooter is currently at large and is described as a Hispanic male, approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing 180 pounds, with a bald head, wearing a blue Dodgers jacket or jersey, and possibly armed with a silver revolver.
Victims Receive Treatment; First Responders Praised
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) responded to the scene with over 100 personnel, establishing a large triage area to provide medical care to the injured. Victims included club-goers and individuals waiting in line outside The Vermont Hollywood. Mayor Karen Bass issued a statement calling the incident a "heartbreaking tragedy" and expressed gratitude to the first responders for their swift action.
Driver's Extensive Criminal History Revealed
Details of Fernando Ramirez's extensive criminal history have emerged, revealing a pattern of violent behavior. He has been involved in at least 11 criminal cases, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. At the time of the incident outside The Vermont Hollywood, Ramirez was on parole.
2020 Felony Assault Conviction: Whole Foods Attack
In 2020, Ramirez was sentenced for a felony assault that occurred in June 2019 outside a Whole Foods grocery store. The details of this prior assault have not been released, but the conviction underscores a history of violent behavior.
Open Domestic Battery Case
In January 2022, Ramirez was charged with felony domestic battery. This case remains open, indicating ongoing legal proceedings related to the alleged domestic violence incident.
The Vermont Hollywood Issues Statement
The Vermont Hollywood, the nightclub where the incident originated, issued a statement expressing sadness for the victims and offering their cooperation with law enforcement.
