Felony charges were announced Tuesday against a driver in a crash that injured dozens of people outside an East Los Angeles nightclub.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said 29-year-old Fernando Ramirez faces 37 count attempted murder and 37 count assault with a deadly weapon. The arrest is scheduled for Wednesday.
Hochman said Ramirez purposely drove his car “through a sea of pedestrians” when he crashed into a crowd of crowds early Saturday morning outside Vermont Hollywood near the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and Vermont Avenue.
Seven people were hospitalized in dangerous conditions, six were seriously injured and ten were in fair condition. Seven people were evaluated on the scene and hospital transport was denied. As of Sunday evening, only one patient remained critical but stable.
The SUV also collided with a taco stand and a valet stand.
“(Crash) has transformed the popular nightlife district into a scene of trauma and terror,” LAPD chief Jim McDonnell said he announced the charges at a press conference Tuesday.
Ramirez was pulled out of the car and was hospitalized after being beaten and shot by a witness. Details regarding his condition were not available, but his injury was not considered life-threatening.
Two LAPD sources told NBC4 that the driver was fighting at the club and was kicked out of the venue. He returned to the club and began fighting again. According to law enforcement, he was dumped by security for being drunk and destructive. Sources say the man drove into his car into the crowd.
Ramirez of San Clemente has a long criminal history in Orange County, dating back to 2014.
Authorities are seeking information about the person who shot the driver.
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