Urgent Manhunt: Police Seek Shooter in Hollywood Club Incident Involving Vehicle Crash into Crowd

Officials are searching for a gunman involved in a shocking incident outside a music venue in East Hollywood early Saturday. The man shot the driver who crashed into a crowd, injuring many.

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) spokesperson Officer Norma Eisenman reported that the suspect remains on the loose. He was last spotted wearing a blue jersey and might have a silver revolver. He fled west on Vermont Avenue.

LAPD Captain Ben Fernandes explained that after the driver, identified as 29-year-old Fernando Ramirez, crashed his vehicle into street vendors and partygoers, there was chaos. The crowd reacted violently, pulling Ramirez from his car and attacking him. At some point during the ensuing scuffle, he was shot in the buttocks.

Ramirez was reportedly kicked and punched before he was shot, leaving many injured. He is now recovering in stable condition following surgery and is expected to face several felony charges.

In total, around 30 people sustained injuries, with seven in critical condition. At least 23 individuals were taken to hospitals, and updates on their conditions are still pending. Captain Fernandes expressed relief, stating that with the size of the crowd, the situation could have escalated considerably. “It’s quite honestly a miracle,” he noted.

Witnesses described the scene as chaotic. One saw at least 30 people on the ground after the crash, while another remarked it felt “like a movie,” noting the debris scattered everywhere—shoes, money, and hot dog stands that had been hit.

Eduardo Lopez, who works at a nearby taco truck, recalled hearing the crash and then screams. He voiced his concern for the injured partygoers, stating, “A lot of people hurt.”

In the aftermath, over 120 firefighters and paramedics responded quickly, but the music venue remained eerily quiet. Event organizers canceled a highly anticipated concert that night, prioritizing guest safety and showing respect for those affected. They expressed their sadness over the tragic event and emphasized working closely with law enforcement to hold those responsible accountable.

This incident serves as a reminder of how quickly public safety can become a concern during large gatherings. According to a 2021 report from the National Safety Council, incidents at public events, while rare, can lead to serious injury or worse. The unexpected nature of this event can leave communities feeling vulnerable.

As social media discourse unfolds, many are sharing their shock and support for the victims, sparking discussions about safety at public events. As cities work to improve crowd management and safety measures, this incident highlights the importance of collective vigilance and resilience.

For more detailed accounts of the incident, check the coverage from sources like ABC-7 News and NBC-4 News.

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