The individual suspected of driving into a crowd in Los Angeles is a convicted felon currently on parole. The man, identified as 29-year-old Fernando Ramirez from San Clemente, is expected to face serious felony charges following an incident early Saturday that resulted in injuries to 36 people waiting outside a nightclub in Vermont Hollywood.
Ramirez, who had been previously convicted of felony battery in 2020 for an attack outside a Whole Foods store, was on parole at the time of the crash. There’s some confusion about whether this incident relates to his past conviction or a different case entirely.
With a criminal history that includes at least 11 cases ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, Ramirez was charged in January 2022 with felony household battery while maintaining a plea of innocence. This case is still open, and he also had a pending DUI charge, as stated by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.
In a chaotic scene, witnesses reported that Ramirez’s Nissan Versa became disabled before he drove into the crowd. After the crash, he was forcibly removed from the vehicle by a bystander, leading to a confrontation during which someone brandished a firearm and shot at him.
As of Monday morning, law enforcement is still attempting to locate the suspected shooter, described as a man with a goat beard and wearing a blue Dodgers jacket.
According to police, the incident unfolded around 2 a.m. as many individuals—mostly women—were waiting to enter the Vermont Hollywood venue. Authorities confirmed that at least 36 individuals required treatment for injuries, including fractures and lacerations, though updates on their conditions have not been released.
In a statement regarding the tragic event, Vermont Hollywood management expressed sympathy for those affected and pledged cooperation with law enforcement to ensure accountability. They also thanked first responders for their quick actions to assist victims.
