LOS ANGELES, CA — In the early hours of Saturday, July 19, 2025, a night meant for celebration and entertainment devolved into mayhem and violence outside a bustling East Hollywood nightclub. A horrifying chain of events left more than 30 people injured, one man shot, and a gunman on the run, sparking a citywide manhunt.
At approximately 2:00 a.m., Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers responded to frantic 911 calls reporting a major vehicle collision near the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and Vermont Avenue. When officers arrived on the scene, they found a chaotic and grisly scene: a wrecked vehicle, injured pedestrians, toppled food stands, and a crowd in panic.
A Deliberate Act of Violence
According to LAPD Commander Lillian Carranza, the driver of the vehicle—a man who had reportedly been involved in multiple altercations earlier inside the nightclub—intentionally drove his car into a crowd gathered on the sidewalk. The group included clubgoers, street vendors, and passersby enjoying late-night food and festivities.
The vehicle struck a food cart and plowed through bystanders before crashing to a halt. Witnesses, shocked and enraged, pulled the driver from the vehicle and began physically assaulting him in the street.
During the altercation, the situation escalated further when an unidentified male suspect approached the crowd and shot the driver at close range before fleeing the scene.
Gunman Still at Large
The suspect remains at large. He has been described by LAPD as a Hispanic male, approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall, 180 pounds, bald, and last seen wearing a blue jersey. Authorities believe he is armed with a silver revolver and was last seen running westbound on Vermont Avenue.
As of this writing, law enforcement officers are canvassing the area and reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and the nightclub itself. A citywide alert has been issued, and the public is urged to come forward with any information that may help identify or locate the suspect.
Dozens Injured, Driver in Critical Condition
Officials from the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) confirmed that more than 30 individuals sustained injuries in the melee—ranging from minor cuts and bruises to more serious trauma caused by the impact of the vehicle. Several victims were transported to local hospitals. The condition of the victims varies, though none have been reported deceased.
The driver, whose identity has not yet been released, is in critical condition due to the gunshot wound and sustained injuries from the assault. Police say his motive is still under investigation, though witnesses claim he had been ejected from the nightclub earlier in the night following a fight.
Community Outrage and Police Response
The attack has sparked widespread outrage and fear in East Hollywood, a neighborhood known for its nightlife and diversity. Local residents and business owners expressed concern over growing tensions in the area and called for increased police presence during peak weekend hours.
Commander Carranza acknowledged the gravity of the incident, stating, “This was a deliberate and violent attack on innocent people who were simply out enjoying their evening. The subsequent shooting only intensified the tragedy. We are committed to finding those responsible and ensuring accountability.”
Ongoing Investigation
The LAPD is urging anyone with photos, videos, or firsthand accounts of the incident to contact Detectives with the Hollywood Division at (213) 972-2971. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at lacrimestoppers.org.
Authorities continue to investigate whether the driver knew the shooter or if the gunman acted independently in the chaos. Investigators are also exploring whether the assault on the driver contributed to the escalation of violence.
As the East Hollywood community reels from this disturbing event, the priority remains clear: bringing the gunman to justice and providing support to the dozens of victims recovering from this unimaginable ordeal. More updates are expected as the investigation unfolds.