Incident on Santa Monica Boulevard Leaves Dozens Injured
In the early hours of Saturday, a vehicle plowed into a group of people waiting outside a Los Angeles performance venue, injuring 30 individuals. The incident unfolded along Santa Monica Boulevard in East Hollywood, sparking chaos and leading to bystanders attacking the driver, as reported by local authorities.
Authorities revealed that the driver had sustained a gunshot wound, intensifying the situation. The search is ongoing for the suspected gunman, who reportedly fled the scene. Police are yet to ascertain whether the driver was shot before or after crashing into the crowd, and the motive behind the driver’s actions remains unclear.
Victims and Emergency Response
According to police reports, 23 victims were transported to hospitals and trauma centers, with seven individuals in critical condition, as confirmed by the Los Angeles Fire Department. Fire Capt. Adam VanGerpen described the scene as “very chaotic,” noting that the crowd, predominantly composed of females, was struck while waiting to enter Vermont Hollywood. The vehicle, identified as a Nissan Versa, also collided with a food vending cart and valet stand.
In the immediate aftermath, people inside the venue reportedly rushed out to assist those injured before emergency responders arrived on the scene. The driver, who was discovered with a gunshot wound by paramedics, was taken to a hospital, though authorities have not released his identity or condition.
Search for Suspect
Police have described the suspected shooter as a man wearing a blue jersey and armed with a silver revolver. This incident is currently under a comprehensive investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department, according to VanGerpen.
Event and Witness Accounts
At the time of the incident, Vermont Hollywood was hosting a reggae-hip hop event, scheduled from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., as listed on its online calendar. Efforts to reach the venue for comments have been unsuccessful.
Maria Medrano, who was selling hot dogs with her husband outside the venue, recounted that a fight erupted just before the car struck the crowd. The couple narrowly escaped when their stand was hit. “The car stopped once it hit the hot dog stand, it got stuck there,” Medrano told The Associated Press. “If not, I wouldn’t be here to tell” the story.
Following the crash, Medrano reported hearing sounds resembling gunshots, causing panic and prompting people to flee the area.
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