Fernando Ramirez, suspect accused of ramming car into LA crowd and injuring 36, had at least 11 criminal cases, was on parole: cops

A man with a history of criminal offenses, including a felony battery conviction, is suspected of driving his car into a crowd on a sidewalk in Los Angeles, injuring 36 people. The driver, identified as 29-year-old Fernando Ramirez, was reportedly attacked by bystanders after the crash in east Hollywood and was later found to have been shot. Police are still searching for the suspected shooter, described as a man with a goatee in a blue Dodgers jacket.

Ramirez, a resident of San Clemente, California, is expected to face a felony charge of assault with a deadly weapon once he recovers from his injuries. He has a criminal record that includes a 2020 conviction for attacking a man outside of a Whole Foods grocery store in June 2019. At the time of the crash, Ramirez was on parole, although it is unclear whether it was related to the 2019 incident or another case.

According to reports, Ramirez has been involved in at least 11 criminal cases, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. In January 2022, he was charged with felony domestic battery and entered a not guilty plea, with the case still pending.

The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning outside the Vermont Hollywood event venue, where a line of mostly women were waiting to enter when they were struck by Ramirez’s Nissan Versa. The car also hit a food vending cart and valet stand, causing injuries to 36 people, including fractures and lacerations.

Authorities are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash, including whether Ramirez was shot before or after the incident and the motive behind his actions. The injured individuals are receiving medical treatment, although their current conditions have not been disclosed.