Chaos in Hollywood: Driver Plows into Crowd, Injuring 30, Before Being Shot by Bystander
A chaotic and violent scene erupted in the heart of Hollywood early Saturday morning when a driver intentionally rammed his car into a crowd outside a popular nightclub, injuring 30 people—seven critically—before being dragged from his vehicle and shot by a bystander. The incident, which unfolded around 2 a.m. on July 19, 2025, near the intersection of Vermont Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard in East Hollywood, has left the community in shock and sparked an intense police investigation.
A Night of Horror Unfolds
The driver, identified as 29-year-old Fernando Ramirez, had been removed from The Vermont Hollywood nightclub earlier that night for disruptive behaviour, according to Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Captain Ben Fernandes. Witnesses say Ramirez, enraged, got into his grey Nissan Versa and drove onto the sidewalk, striking a valet stand, a taco stand, and a light standard before ploughing into a group of clubgoers outside the venue. “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 reporters.
The aftermath was captured in a chilling Instagram video posted shortly after the crash. The footage shows bloodied victims sprawled across the pavement, some motionless, as panicked voices cry out. “He just smacked everybody, bro,” one man exclaims, while another asks, “Ladies, can you feel your legs?” A patron inside the club at the time recounted the confusion to NBC News: “We heard a loud bang, and everyone thought it was gunshots. Then we looked outside, and there was a car that had crashed into the crowd. People were lying everywhere, some unconscious, bleeding.”
Bystanders Take Action, Shooter Flees
The violence didn’t end with the crash. As Ramirez’s car came to a stop, furious bystanders pulled him from the vehicle. Security personnel handcuffed him, and he was beaten by the crowd before a shot rang out from across the street. An unidentified individual fired a single round into Ramirez’s back, sending him to the ground. He was rushed to a hospital and underwent surgery, though his current condition remains unclear.
The shooter, described by police as a Hispanic male, approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall, 180 pounds, bald, and wearing a blue jersey, fled westbound from Vermont Avenue. Authorities believe he may have been armed with a silver revolver and are actively searching for him. “We’re asking anyone with information about this individual to come forward,” said LAPD Sgt. Travis Ward. “This is an ongoing investigation, and we need the public’s help.”
Victims and First Responders
The crash left a devastating toll. Of the 30 injured, seven remain in critical condition, fighting for their lives in local hospitals. Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Centre reported treating multiple patients with minor injuries, all of whom are stable, but the full scope of the trauma is still emerging. More than 100 Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) and LAPD personnel descended on the scene, working tirelessly to triage victims and secure the area.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass addressed the tragedy in a statement: “This is a heartbreaking tragedy for our city. I want to thank the first responders who worked tirelessly to save lives and bring order to this chaotic scene. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families.”
The Suspect: Fernando Ramirez
Details about Ramirez are still limited, but police have painted a picture of a man whose night spiralled into violence. After being ejected from The Vermont Hollywood—a venue known for hosting concerts, special events, and even a 2024 Grammys after-party—he allegedly made the calculated decision to use his car as a weapon. Authorities have not yet determined whether drugs or alcohol played a role, as Ramirez’s hospitalisation has delayed testing. He faces charges of assault with a deadly weapon, with additional charges possible pending the investigation’s outcome.
A Community in Mourning
The Vermont Hollywood, typically a hub of celebration, became a crime scene overnight. Surveillance footage and witness statements are being reviewed to reconstruct the sequence of events, but the emotional impact is already clear. “This is a wake-up call,” said a local business owner who declined to be named. “We need better security around these clubs, especially when there are so many people gathered in one place.”
Community leaders are rallying to support the victims. A vigil is in the works, and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce issued a statement: “Our hearts go out to the victims and their families. We are working closely with law enforcement to ensure justice is served and that our community can heal.”
Hollywood’s Nightlife Under Scrutiny
The incident has reignited discussions about public safety in Hollywood, a district renowned for its vibrant nightlife and dense weekend crowds. While the area is a magnet for tourists and locals alike, its popularity can also make it a target for chaos. Residents and business owners are now questioning whether current safety measures—security at clubs, police patrols, and crowd management—are sufficient to prevent such tragedies.
As the LAPD continues its dual investigation into Ramirez’s actions and the identity of the shooter, Hollywood is left grappling with a night that turned celebration into horror. Answers remain elusive: What drove Ramirez to this extreme act? Will the shooter face justice? For now, the city mourns, supports its wounded, and searches for a path forward.
