Vehicle Collides with Crowd in East Hollywood, Resulting in Multiple Injuries
In a disturbing incident early Saturday morning, a vehicle drove into a gathering of individuals outside a performance venue in East Hollywood, injuring approximately thirty people. Eyewitnesses reported chaos as bystanders attempted to intervene with the driver, who subsequently sustained a gunshot wound.
The incident occurred on Santa Monica Boulevard near the Vermont Hollywood venue, where a reggae-hip hop event was taking place. According to authorities, the vehicle, identified as a Nissan Versa, not only struck the crowd but also collided with a food vending cart and a valet stand. This collision resulted in injuries to twenty-three individuals, with seven reported in critical condition and receiving treatment at local hospitals.
Emergency services responded promptly to the scene, where many attendees rushed to assist the injured before paramedics arrived. The driver, who has not been publicly identified, was found with a gunshot wound upon the arrival of the medical team and was transported to a hospital. The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear, and police are conducting an investigation to determine whether the driver was shot prior to or during the incident.
Witnesses noted that a confrontation had taken place outside the venue shortly before the vehicle barreled into the crowd. One vendor, who was selling hot dogs nearby, described the moment the car struck their stand, narrowly missing them. She recounted that the vehicle became stuck against the hot dog stand after the impact, which may have prevented more severe injuries.
Authorities are actively searching for a suspect believed to be responsible for the driver's gunshot wound. This individual is described as a male wearing a blue jersey and was reportedly armed with a silver revolver. Police have emphasized that the investigation will be extensive, involving the Los Angeles Police Department.
As the situation unfolds, the venue has not yet released an official statement regarding the incident. The community is left in shock as they process the events that took place during what was intended to be a night of entertainment.