() Bystanders outside a nightclub in Los Angeles attacked and shot the driver of a car that slammed into a crowd, injuring around at least two dozen people early Saturday morning, authorities said.
While searching for a suspected gunman with early reports of shots fired around 2 a.m., police said they discovered the driver had been shot, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
People were lined up at a taco stand and a nightclub, Vermont Hollywood, in the area of Vermont Avenue and West Santa Monica Boulevard when the man drove into the crowd, authorities said.
Capt. Adam VanGerpen of the Los Angeles Fire Department initially said at the scene that the man “lost consciousness” while driving, but LAPD said in a later statement that the “reasons are still under investigation.” It’s unclear whether the driver was shot before or after the crash.
“Somebody lost consciousness inside the vehicle,” Van Gerpen said earlier in the day when first responders were transporting the injured individuals to a hospital.
At least seven are in critical condition, LAFD said in a according to LAFD. More than 120 fire personnel were on scene.
“This is a heartbreaking tragedy,” Bass said in a statement. “The hearts of Angelenos are with all of the victims impacted this morning.”
Initial reports said at least 30 people were injured. LAPD has said 23 were transported to a local hospital.
“When officers arrived, they found the driver being assaulted by bystanders and determined he had sustained a gunshot wound,” LAPD said in a statement.
Police did not disclose the driver’s condition, but he is being treated at a local hospital.
The police issued this description of the person who shot the driver:
“Fled the scene on foot and was last seen heading westbound from Vermont Avenue and is described as a Hispanic male, approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall, 180 pounds, bald, wearing a blue jersey, and possibly armed with a silver revolver.”
