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
Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton Injured in Deadly Mississippi Crash, Mother Confirms He Is Alive and Safe
DESOTO COUNTY, Mississippi — Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton was injured in a deadly two-vehicle collision on U.S. Highway 61 in DeSoto County, Mississippi, but his mother has confirmed that he is alive, safe and recovering following the crash.
Burton, 27, of Memphis, Tennessee, was driving a Dodge Durango involved in the collision shortly after 8 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of U.S. Highway 61 and Church Road in Walls.
The crash claimed the lives of three people traveling in a Honda Accord. The incident also left another passenger injured and involved employees of the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office Juvenile Detention Center.
Following the crash, misinformation circulated online suggesting that Burton had died and that he was a juvenile detention officer.
His mother, Tee Burton, publicly addressed the reports, firmly correcting the information and asking people to stop sharing unverified claims.
She confirmed that her son is alive, safe and okay. She also emphasized that he is not a juvenile detention officer.
In her statement, she expressed disappointment over reports falsely identifying her son as one of the people who died in the collision.
She also acknowledged the families who lost loved ones and urged the public to show compassion toward everyone affected by the tragedy.
Her statement included the following message:
“My son is alive!!! He is safe, and he is okay!!!”
She further asked people to verify information before publishing or reposting details that could cause unnecessary emotional distress to families.
According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, a northbound Dodge Durango traveling on U.S. Highway 61 collided with a westbound Honda Accord traveling on Church Road.
Three occupants of the Honda were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities identified the victims as:
- Latasha N. Dodson, 37, of Horn Lake, Mississippi, the Honda driver.
- Eddie L. Dodson Jr., 41, of Byhalia, Mississippi.
- Tamenshia R. Ford, 32, of Horn Lake, Mississippi.
Burton and another passenger in the Honda survived the collision but sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital. Their specific medical conditions have not been publicly detailed in the information provided.
The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that two people involved in the crash were employees of its Juvenile Detention Center.
One of those employees was Tamenshia R. Ford, who died in the collision. The second employee was seriously injured.
Sheriff Thomas E. Tuggle II expressed condolences following the death of the employee, describing the person as a respected and beloved member of the department.
“Our fallen officer was a respected and beloved member of our team,” Tuggle said.
The sheriff’s office also recognized the employee’s dedication, compassion and commitment to working with young people entrusted to the facility’s care.
State officials confirmed that the Dodge Durango involved in the collision belonged to the Walls Police Department.
The city’s mayor and police chief also confirmed that a Walls police officer was involved in the crash. Burton’s mother has since clarified that her son is the officer and that he survived.
An SUV displaying Walls Police Department identification was seen being towed from the crash scene Wednesday night.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the fatal collision.
Investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities have not released additional details about what led to the vehicles colliding.
The crash resulted in three deaths and left multiple people injured. Burton’s family has asked the public to respect the victims and their loved ones while avoiding the spread of false information.
The investigation remains ongoing.