Driver Who Plowed Into Hollywood Crowd Has History of Violence, Police Say

The 29‑year‑old man suspected of deliberately driving his Nissan Versa into a crowd outside a Hollywood nightclub early Saturday has a long criminal history — including violent offenses — police said Sunday.

Fernando Ramirez of San Clemente, California, allegedly rammed the vehicle into a sidewalk where patrons were queued outside The Vermont Hollywood on Santa Monica Boulevard just after 2 a.m. The crash injured at least 36 people, some with fractures and lacerations. Dozens were taken to local hospitals; seven were in critical condition.

Criminal past

Court documents show Ramirez has been prosecuted in 11 criminal matters over the past decade in Orange and Los Angeles counties. In June 2019, he admitted to entering a Whole Foods in Laguna Beach and “sucker‑punching” a 26‑year‑old Black employee, breaking his nose and damaging two teeth. Ramirez reportedly told police at the time that “he hated all Black people.” He was convicted of battery, felony aggravated battery, and civil rights violations with a hate‑crime enhancement. An appeals court later overturned the civil‑rights and hate‑crime counts over a Miranda‑rights violation but upheld the battery conviction.

He also pleaded guilty to battery of a police officer and resisting arrest in 2020, served six months in jail, and received similar sentences and probation for domestic violence and spousal abuse in 2021. He faces ongoing Orange County charges for domestic battery and driving under the influence.

The incident

Police say Ramirez was ejected from the venue shortly before returning with his car. He drove onto the sidewalk, struck a taco stand, valet podium and multiple pedestrians, then reversed and continued striking people. He fled on foot but was pulled from the vehicle by bystanders. During the struggle, someone shot him; he remains hospitalized in stable condition.

LAPD Capt. Ben Fernandes said Ramirez is expected to be charged with felony assault with a deadly weapon. Authorities are still searching for the gunman, whom they described as a male with a goatee wearing a blue Dodgers jacket.

Aftermath

Investigators continue to piece together the timeline, including whether Ramirez was shot before or after the vehicle struck the crowd. Officials say the attack appears intentional, but the motive remains unclear.

The Vermont Hollywood posted that it is “deeply saddened” and cooperating with law enforcement. Emergency responders praised the crowds that rushed to assist, while Mayor Karen Bass called the event “heartbreaking.”