A man who was booted from an East Hollywood nightclub early Saturday later plowed his car into a crowd standing outside the venue – injuring more than 30 people, according to officials.
Seven of the victims were in critical condition after the incident, which unfolded at 2 a.m. when a Nissan Versa flew into the crowd outside of The Vermont Hollywood club on Santa Monica Boulevard, near the intersection of Vermont Avenue, officials said.
A vehicle sits on the sidewalk after ramming into a crowd of people waiting to enter a nightclub in Los Angeles early Saturday. AP
At least 30 people were injured in the incident. AP
Emergency responders at the scene of the crash. Youtube/AXN News
Emergency responders tape off the scene of the crash. Youtube/AXN News
An “unknown vehicle” being taken away after it drove into a crowd, injuring 28 people. AFP via Getty ImagesThe driver had been kicked out of the nightclub for being disruptive – and seemingly went back to the scene with his car out of fury, LAPD Capt. Ben Fernandes told the LA Times Saturday afternoon.
“From review of the video he went up to the sidewalk further down and when he hit bystanders it was an intentional act,” Fernandes told the outlet.
Angry witnesses at the horrific scene got their own revenge.
“He was pulled from the car, handcuffed by security and then beaten by bystanders before being shot in the back by an individual from across the street,” Fernandes said.
Los Angeles Fire Department Capt. Adam VanGerpen described the scene, where a total of 124 firefighters responded, as “chaotic.”
The victims were all standing in line going into a nightclub. There was a taco cart out there, so they were…getting some food, waiting to go in. And there’s also a valet line out there,” VanGerpen said. “The valet podium was taken out, the taco truck was taken out, and then a large number of people were impacted by the vehicle.”
At least three victims were in critical condition. AFP via Getty Images
The crash happened around 2 a.m. outside of The Vermont Hollywood club on Santa Monica Boulevard, near the intersection of Vermont Avenue. AP
Aftermath of the car crash in East Hollywood. Youtube/AXN News
Four to five people were in critical condition, 8 to 10 in serious condition and 10 to 15 in fair condition, the LAFD said in a statement. Youtube/AXN NewsThe majority of the people in line for the concert at the nightclub, which was billed as “So-Cal’s Biggest Reggaeton & Hip-Hop Party,” were women, according to VanGerpen.
The driver is in stable condition after undergoing surgery for the gunshot wound at a local hospital, the LA Times reported. His name is being withheld until booking.
The suspected gunman used a silver revolver and was still at large Saturday afternoon.
Police said 23 people were receiving medical treatment at local hospitals.
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