A terrifying and chaotic scene erupted just after 2 am on Saturday, July 19, 2025, outside The Vermont Hollywood nightclub in East Hollywood, when a driver intentionally drove onto a crowded sidewalk, striking dozens of people. According to the LAPD, the suspect, 29-year-old Fernando Ramirez, had been escorted out of the nightclub minutes earlier. Security footage shows that shortly afterward, Ramirez returned in a Nissan Versa, drove onto the sidewalk, and plowed into a dense crowd of club-goers, valet attendants, and nearby food vendors.
The impact injured at least 30 people, including one person critically. In the aftermath, bystanders pulled Ramirez from the vehicle and physically assaulted him. An unidentified man then approached and shot the suspect. Ramirez and all other injured parties are expected to survive, according to authorities.
Police described the attack as an “intentional act,” and Ramirez was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon. The shooter, who remains at large, is described as a bald Hispanic man around 5’9”, wearing a blue jersey and possibly carrying a silver revolver.
Emergency crews, including more than 120 firefighters, responded swiftly to the chaotic scene. Mayor Karen Bass called it a “heartbreaking tragedy” and commended first responders for their life-saving efforts. An investigation is ongoing.
The Dangers of Vehicular Attacks on Pedestrians
While pedestrian injuries are often the result of driver inattention or poor visibility, this case illustrates a much more sinister scenario – an intentional vehicle attack. Even at low speeds, a car can cause serious trauma when driven into a crowd. Pedestrians are incredibly vulnerable in these incidents, and injuries often include broken bones, head trauma, spinal damage, and internal bleeding.
These types of incidents, while rare, highlight the broader risks pedestrians face, especially in high-traffic nightlife areas where visibility is low and large crowds gather. Even when a driver doesn’t act intentionally, pedestrians can suffer severe injuries due to distracted driving, intoxication, speeding, or failure to yield.
“Unfortunately, when a vehicle strikes a pedestrian, even at low speed, the force transferred can lead to devastating injuries,” said Gerald Singleton, managing partner of Singleton Schreiber. “Victims may face a long road to recovery, including surgeries, physical therapy, and psychological trauma. These cases require a thorough investigation to identify all liable parties and ensure every victim gets the support and compensation they deserve.”
Legal Recourse for Victims
Victims injured in this East Hollywood crash may have multiple avenues for legal recourse. Depending on the investigation’s findings, they may be able to pursue civil claims against the driver for gross negligence.
If security measures or traffic barriers were insufficient given the venue’s setup, there could also be questions about third-party liability.
If you or someone you love was injured in this incident, speaking with an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and legal options. Our firm is here to help guide you through the process of recovery and accountability.
