LOS ANGELES – Officials reported on Sunday that a man accused of driving his car into a crowded sidewalk in Los Angeles, injuring 36 individuals, has a past criminal record, including a conviction for felony battery.
The driver, identified as 29-year-old Fernando Ramirez by the police, was assaulted by onlookers following the early Saturday incident in east Hollywood. Paramedics later discovered Ramirez had been shot. Authorities are still looking for the alleged shooter, characterized as a man with a goatee wearing a blue Dodgers jacket.
Ramirez, from San Clemente, California, is recovering and is anticipated to be charged with a felony count of assault with a deadly weapon. He could not be reached for comment, and it is unclear if he has legal representation.
Los Angeles police Capt. Ben Fernandes told KNBC-TV on Sunday that Ramirez was sentenced in 2020 for attacking a man outside of a Whole Foods grocery store in June 2019. He was on parole at the time of Saturday’s crash, but it’s unclear whether it was in connection with the 2019 attack or another case.
Ramirez has had at least 11 criminal cases ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, KNBC reported. In January 2022, he was charged with felony domestic battery and entered a not guilty plea. That case remains open.
A line of people — mostly women — were waiting to enter the Vermont Hollywood event venue around 2 a.m. when they were struck by a Nissan Versa that also hit a food vending cart and valet stand, Fire Capt. Adam VanGerpen said Saturday.
At least 36 people were treated for injuries including fractures and lacerations, police said Sunday without providing updates on their conditions.
It was not immediately clear if Ramirez was shot before or after the crash or why he drove into the crowd.
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