LOS ANGELES, CA — A violent and chaotic scene unfolded early Saturday morning outside a packed nightclub in East Hollywood, leaving over 30 people injured and prompting a manhunt for a gunman believed to have shot the driver responsible for the incident.

At approximately 2:00 a.m., officers from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) responded to reports of a major crash near the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and Vermont Avenue. The incident, which took place outside The Vermont Hollywood nightclub, quickly became a mass casualty event, with authorities now investigating the possibility that the crash was intentional.

The Incident: A Deliberate Act of Violence

According to LAPD Commander Lillian Carranza, the driver, reportedly involved in altercations inside the nightclub earlier that evening, intentionally drove his vehicle into a crowd of people gathered outside the venue. The crowd was made up of clubgoers, pedestrians, and food vendors along the sidewalk.

The vehicle struck a street-side food cart, sending debris flying and injuring several bystanders in the process. The chaos was immediate, with witnesses reporting a scene of panic and confusion as people scrambled to avoid being hit by the car. According to reports, the driver was pulled from the vehicle by bystanders, who began physically assaulting him. During this altercation, he was shot by an unidentified suspect.

Driver’s Condition and Investigation Details

The driver, who has not yet been identified by authorities, was immediately transported to a nearby hospital, where he underwent surgery. Despite the severity of the incident, his condition is now stable. Police have yet to determine if he was under the influence of alcohol or any other substances at the time of the crash, though it has been confirmed that he was previously ejected from the nightclub for intoxicated and aggressive behavior.

LAPD sources revealed that the suspect had been removed from the club twice for misbehavior before the incident. After being ejected for the second time, the suspect is believed to have gone to his vehicle, retrieved it, and deliberately drove it into the crowd.

The Victims: Impact of the Crash

The crash resulted in a total of 30 people injured. The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) confirmed that seven individuals were in critical condition, six were in serious condition, and ten others sustained moderate or minor injuries. Seven additional people declined medical treatment at the scene.

Victims ranged in age from their 20s to 30s, with the group consisting of 12 men and 18 women, according to Commander Carranza. Emergency responders were quick to arrive at the scene, with a total of 124 LAFD personnel working to manage the situation.

A witness inside the nightclub recalled the moment the vehicle struck the crowd, describing it as a “loud bang” that triggered panic among the patrons, who initially mistook the noise for gunshots. The witness stated, “People were lying down, unconscious, bleeding,” as the chaotic scene unfolded.

Nightclub’s Response

In the aftermath of the tragedy, The Vermont Hollywood nightclub issued a statement expressing their sorrow over the incident. “We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred early Saturday morning outside our venue. Our thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with the victims and their families during this difficult time.”

The nightclub also mentioned that it would be cooperating fully with law enforcement as they continue their investigation into the violent incident. While the club expressed its condolences, many are left questioning how such a tragic event could unfold outside a popular venue in East Hollywood.

The Gunman: A Potentially Critical Lead

As authorities continue their investigation, one of the most pressing issues is the identity and whereabouts of the gunman who shot the driver. The suspect, who is believed to have fled the scene on foot, is described as a Hispanic male, approximately 5’9″ tall, weighing 180 pounds, and bald. He was last seen wearing a blue jersey and is believed to be armed with a silver revolver.

Witnesses reported seeing the suspect flee westbound on Vermont Avenue, and LAPD investigators are now searching the area and reviewing available surveillance footage to track down the shooter. Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information about the gunman’s identity or whereabouts to come forward.

Ongoing Investigation and Community Safety

The LAPD is actively working to gather evidence, speak to potential witnesses, and review surveillance footage from the area. Detective work will be crucial in piecing together the exact sequence of events leading up to the violent incident, and police are asking the community to be vigilant in reporting any suspicious activity in the area.

While the incident appears to have been an isolated event, it serves as a stark reminder of the potential for violence in crowded public spaces. The fact that the driver was involved in previous altercations inside the club raises important questions about how such individuals can be better identified and managed to prevent further escalation.

The Community’s Response: A Desire for Justice

The East Hollywood community, known for its vibrant nightlife, has been left shaken by this violent event. Local residents and business owners are speaking out about their concerns for public safety, and there is an increased demand for measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. While the focus remains on the search for the gunman, many in the community are also calling for increased security measures and greater responsibility from venues hosting large crowds.

The events of that night have prompted questions about the level of safety surrounding popular venues in the area. There are calls for increased monitoring of behavior, better intervention practices, and more community-oriented safety measures. The people of East Hollywood are rallying together, not only to bring justice to the victims of the incident but also to ensure that such violence does not become a recurring issue in their neighborhoods.

Public Support and Call for Justice

In the wake of this violent incident, local advocacy groups are calling for justice for the victims. While the gunman remains at large, there is a sense of unity and determination among the community to ensure that the responsible party is brought to justice. Many residents have expressed a desire for accountability and closure as they mourn the injuries and trauma inflicted on their fellow community members.

Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in the investigation. Tips can be provided anonymously to LAPD’s Rampart Division at (213) 484-3424, or through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. The LAPD continues to pursue every available lead to identify the suspect responsible for the shooting and ensure that justice is served.

Conclusion: A Call for Change and Awareness

The violent incident that unfolded outside The Vermont Hollywood nightclub on Saturday morning serves as a chilling reminder of the fragility of public safety in busy, high-traffic areas. As the LAPD investigates the events surrounding the crash and subsequent shooting, the community is left grappling with the aftermath of this senseless act of violence.

While the investigation is ongoing, there is a shared sense of hope that justice will be served and that the community can begin to heal. In the meantime, those affected by the tragedy continue to support one another, working toward a safer, more compassionate environment for all.

Anyone with information regarding the suspect is urged to contact the LAPD or Crime Stoppers.