A man was arrested early Saturday morning after police said he drove his car into a crowd of people on Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood, California. At least 30 people were injured in the shocking incident, which took place around 2:00 a.m. on July 19, 2025.
Incident Details and Arrest
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) identified the suspect as 29-year-old Fernando Ramirez. According to reports from CNN, ABC affiliate KABC, and CBS News, Ramirez’s vehicle crashed into a large group of people, many of whom were standing in line outside the Vermont Hollywood nightclub.
LAPD Cmdr. Lillian Carranza confirmed that after the incident, Ramirez was surrounded by bystanders who pulled him from his vehicle.
During the chaotic moments following the crash, reports indicated that someone in the crowd shot Ramirez. He was transported to the hospital with a gunshot wound, and while he was in stable condition, he underwent surgery.
Ramirez has been arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, and authorities are considering charges of attempted murder.
Victims and Their Conditions
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) confirmed that 30 people were injured in the incident, including seven in critical condition, six in serious condition, and 10 in fair condition. Several others refused transport to the hospital. Among the victims, most were women, as reported by the Associated Press.
Photos from the scene showed a vehicle surrounded by police tape near the Vermont Hollywood nightclub, with the damage to the taco cart and valet podium being evident.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with people waiting in line to enter the nightclub and others enjoying food from a taco cart when the car plowed into the crowd.
Investigation and Authorities’ Response
The LAPD confirmed that the suspect was immediately taken into custody by police, but the individual who shot Ramirez fled the scene. Authorities are still searching for the shooter, who was last seen heading west from Vermont Avenue and is believed to have been armed with a silver revolver.
The incident occurred shortly after club security escorted a man out of Vermont Hollywood, and moments later, Ramirez drove his vehicle into the crowd. The nightclub shared a statement on Instagram expressing their deep sadness over the incident and offering gratitude to the first responders for their swift actions.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
The investigation is still underway, and the charges against Ramirez will be decided by the district attorney. The incident has deeply impacted the West Hollywood community, and local authorities are working closely with the nightclub and other organizations to ensure justice is served.
