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
Victims Identified in Deadly Robeson County Mass Shooting
Two Dead, 13 Injured in Mass Shooting at Large Party in Robeson County, North Carolina
ROBESON COUNTY, N.C. — A late-night party in eastern North Carolina turned deadly early Saturday morning when gunfire erupted, leaving two people dead and 13 others injured, according to the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Burnis Wilkins confirmed that deputies were called to the scene on Dixon Drive, just outside the town of Maxton, at approximately 3:00 a.m. following reports of a shooting at a large outdoor gathering attended by more than 150 people.
When deputies arrived, chaos had already unfolded — witnesses said over 150 individuals fled the area before law enforcement could secure the scene.
Authorities identified the deceased victims as Jessie Locklear and his son Nehemiah Locklear.
Several other victims sustained critical injuries and were transported to area hospitals for emergency treatment.
Sheriff Wilkins stated that, based on preliminary findings, the shooting appears to have been an isolated incident, and there is no ongoing threat to the wider community.
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from multiple agencies, continues to investigate the circumstances that led to the violence.
Detectives are working to determine the motive and identify all parties involved.
Authorities are urging anyone with information—or anyone who attended the gathering and witnessed the incident—to contact the Robeson County Sheriff’s Investigators at 910-671-3100.
“We know there were many people present when this occurred,” Sheriff Wilkins said. “If you saw something or know something, we need you to come forward to help bring justice to the victims and their families.”