Chaos Erupts Outside LA Club as Driver Rams Crowd After Concert Facing 37 Attempted Murder Charges
A Night of Music Turns to Horror
What began as a joyful evening of reggae and hip-hop music at The Vermont Hollywood in East Hollywood turned into chaos and devastation when a car plowed into a crowd of partygoers in the early hours of July 19. The vehicle drove up onto the sidewalk just as people were exiting the venue, leaving at least 37 injured — some with serious fractures and deep lacerations — and sparking a frenzy that ended with the driver being shot.
The Crash and Immediate Aftermath
Witnesses described a horrifying scene as the car smashed into multiple street-side food carts and pinned people beneath the wreckage. Bystanders sprang into action, both to help the victims and confront the driver. The vehicle finally came to a halt with food carts wedged beneath it.
As victims were treated for various injuries — some minor, others severe — first responders worked to extract individuals trapped underneath the vehicle. The quick actions of onlookers and emergency services are being credited for the fact that, despite the scale of the incident, no fatalities occurred.
Prosecutors Charge Driver with 74 Felony Counts
Los Angeles County prosecutors announced Tuesday that the driver, identified as 29-year-old Fernando Ramirez, has been charged with 37 counts of attempted murder and 37 counts of assault with a deadly weapon. Authorities allege that Ramirez intentionally drove his car onto the crowded sidewalk in what is being described as an unprovoked act of violence.
“This was an unprovoked act of violence that injured dozens — some critically,” said the city's police chief. “It’s truly a miracle that no lives were lost.”
A Violent Past Comes to Light
Ramirez's criminal history has raised additional alarm. Records reveal a pattern of violent behavior, including:
A battery and gang-related charge in 2014
A 2019 aggravated battery conviction for attacking a Black man at a grocery store in Laguna Beach
A 2021 domestic violence charge
Pending cases from 2022 (domestic violence) and 2024 (drunk driving)
Prosecutors in earlier cases described Ramirez as someone who has “proved to be violent to strangers and family alike” and shows “a lack of concern for the safety of others.”
Suspect Shot, Gunman Still Unknown
After the crash, Ramirez was found to have been shot in the lower back, though the circumstances of the shooting remain unclear. Authorities have not confirmed who fired the shot.
Surveillance footage captured near the scene shows a man of interest wearing a blue Dodgers jacket and a light blue jersey with the number “5.” Investigators have released the images to the public, requesting help in identifying the individual.
What Happens Next
Ramirez remains in custody, and further legal proceedings are expected in the coming days. Authorities continue to investigate whether the incident was premeditated or if there were other contributing factors, including his mental state and substance use.
In the meantime, the East Hollywood community is reeling from the aftermath of a night that was supposed to be filled with celebration — not sirens and screams.
As the case unfolds, city leaders are emphasizing the importance of public safety and the need for swift justice for the victims who are still recovering.