THE SUSPECT accused of plowing his car into a crowd of people after getting kicked out of a club has a violent criminal history.
Fernando Ramirez, 29, was on parole for another crime when he heartlessly injured 36 people and sparked a massive brawl, police say.
Ramirez, who currently faces charges of assault with a deadly weapon, was shot in the backside by an irate partygoer and subsequently transported to the hospital following the incident.
He’s in stable condition after getting surgery, and a manhunt is underway for the shooter.
At around 2 am Saturday, cops flocked to the chaotic scene at the Vermont Hollywood in Los Angeles, California, after hearing reports of the attack.
Disturbing photos and videos shared on social media displayed the aftermath of the chaos, as onlookers rushed away from the fight, with some helping their injured friends to safety.
One clip showed a crowd of people rip the driver from the front seat and beat him up before cops were able to calm them down.
First responders say that seven people were left in critical condition from the attack.
After the Los Angeles Police Department named Ramirez as the suspect, his years-long criminal history came to light.
Originally from San Clemente, located between Los Angeles and San Diego, Ramirez has accrued at least 11 criminal charges since reaching the age of 18, as reported by KNBC.
His most recent arrest was in June 2019, when he attacked a man outside of a Whole Foods. Ramirez was sentenced for that incident in 2020.
The suspect has also previously faced another felony charge for assault with a deadly weapon, the Orange County DA’s office confirmed.
His most recent charge was in January 2022 when he was charged with felony domestic battery. However, he pleaded not guilty, and the case remains open.
He’s also facing a pending DUI case, the district attorney confirmed to the outlet.
Cops confirmed that he was on parole when he was accused of ramming into the crowd, but it’s unclear for what.
Full statement from the Vermont Hollywood
“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.
“At approximately 2:00AM, after the conclusion of an event and as patrons were exiting the venue, a driver veered onto the sidewalk and struck multiple individuals. The suspect was immediately taken into custody by the LAPD, and an investigation is currently underway.
“We are working closely with law enforcement to ensure the person responsible for this horrific act is held fully accountable. We also want to extend our sincere gratitude to the first responders for their swift and compassionate action in assisting those affected.”
DISTURBING ATTACK
The driver was kicked out of the East Hollywood club for fighting and being disruptive while he was intoxicated, LAPD sources told KNBC.
He then reportedly went back to the club and started fighting again before being kicked out a second time.
The law enforcement sources say that the driver went on to get in his car and ram into a busy food cart area where people were lining up to enter the club.
The car that rammed into the club was left smashed by the horror attack, and debris was scattered on the ground.
The victims have been described as 12 men and 18 women aged in their 20s and 30s, according to the LAPD.
The Vermont Hollywood said it was “deeply saddened by the tragic incident.”
“Our thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with the victims and their families during this difficult time,” the club wrote in a statement.
The shooting suspect has been described as a Latino male who stands at 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighs 180 pounds, was wearing a blue jersey, and was potentially carrying a silver revolver.
Locals have been urged to look out for anyone matching the description, and to call police if they think they spot him.
