Crime
Graphic Video Shows Moment Driver Plows Into Crowd, Injuring Several in Possible Intentional Act in East Hollywood
During that assault, he was shot by an unidentified suspect.
LOS ANGELES — A violent and chaotic scene unfolded early Saturday morning outside a packed East Hollywood nightclub, leaving over 30 people injured and prompting a manhunt for a gunman believed to have shot the driver responsible for the incident.
At approximately 2:00 a.m., Los Angeles Police Department officers responded to reports of a major crash near the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and Vermont Avenue.
According to LAPD Commander Lillian Carranza, a man, reportedly involved in earlier altercations inside the nightclub, intentionally drove his vehicle into a crowd of people gathered outside the venue and around nearby food vendors.
According to LAPD and Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) officials, the driver struck a street-side food cart and numerous bystanders before being pulled from the vehicle by witnesses and physically assaulted.
During that assault, he was shot by an unidentified suspect.
Authorities say the driver was transported to a local hospital, underwent surgery, and is now in stable condition. Due to his injuries, police have not yet determined if he was under the influence at the time of the crash.
LAPD sources say the suspect had been previously removed from the club twice for intoxicated and aggressive behavior.
After being ejected for a second time, he reportedly returned to his vehicle and deliberately drove into the crowd gathered outside.
The crash left seven people in critical condition, six with serious injuries, and ten others with moderate or minor injuries.
Seven additional individuals declined medical treatment at the scene. Victims ranged in age from their 20s to 30s, and included 12 men and 18 women, according to Commander Carranza. The Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed that 124 emergency personnel responded to the mass-casualty incident.
Photos from the scene depict a heavily damaged gray sedan mounted on the sidewalk, surrounded by debris, injured individuals receiving aid, and emergency responders administering care.
A witness inside the club described the moment of impact as a “loud bang” that triggered panic and confusion, with many guests initially believing they were hearing gunshots. “People were lying down, unconscious, bleeding,” he said.
In a statement, the nightclub The Vermont Hollywood expressed sorrow over the tragedy:
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred early Saturday morning outside our venue. Our thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with the victims and their families during this difficult time.”
The identity of the driver has not yet been released, but police confirmed he is in custody while recovering in the hospital. It is unclear what charges he may face pending further investigation.
Meanwhile, law enforcement is actively searching for the gunman who shot the driver.
The suspect is described as a Hispanic male, approximately 5’9″ tall, weighing 180 pounds, bald, and last seen wearing a blue jersey.
He fled the scene on foot, heading westbound on Vermont Avenue, and is believed to be armed with a silver revolver.
Anyone with information is urged to contact LAPD’s Rampart Division at (213) 484-3424, or provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
Crime
Former Texas Worship Minister and Christian Musician Jon Sheptock Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas — A married Christian musician and former worship minister who once performed at a rally for former President Donald Trump has been arrested on multiple child sexual abuse material (CSAM) charges, authorities confirmed.
According to officials, Jon Sheptock, a former minister at First Montgomery Baptist Church, was taken into custody on September 26 by detectives from the Montgomery County Constable’s Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Unit.
He faces charges of possession and production of child pornography following a detailed investigation into allegations of long-term misconduct.
The arrest was based on testimony from a woman who alleged that Sheptock stole a photograph of her approximately nine years ago, when she was 17 years old.
The victim told investigators that after sending her the image, Sheptock demanded explicit photographs and later sent her a video depicting a violent assault, warning that he “did not want that to happen to her.”
Court records further indicate that Sheptock showed the victim nude images of both adults and minors on his computer.
Investigators allege that the misconduct continued as recently as October 2023, when Sheptock reportedly sent a text message to the victim containing a nude image of young girls.
Before his arrest, Sheptock was widely known as a Christian recording artist and motivational speaker.
His now-deleted website biography stated that he was born without arms and with one leg shorter than the other, yet went on to describe himself as a “thriving Christian recording artist and speaker.” He has been married for 26 years and is the father of three daughters.
In a public statement, First Montgomery Baptist Church confirmed that Sheptock was immediately removed from all ministry responsibilities following his arrest.
The church emphasized that Sheptock did not hold any position involving direct contact with children, and there is no indication that minors associated with the church were involved or affected.
Sheptock gained wider public attention in January 2022, when he performed the national anthem at a rally for then-President Donald Trump, according to The Independent.
If convicted, Sheptock faces a potential prison sentence ranging from two to twenty years.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information to contact the Montgomery County Constable’s Office Human Traffic.