LAPD Seeks Armed Suspect Shooting Driver Who Hit 37 Outside East Hollywood Club

On July 19 in East Hollywood, 29-year-old Fernando Ramirez intentionally drove his car into a crowd outside the Vermont Hollywood nightclub, injuring at least 37 people including some seriously with fractures and lacerations. Ramirez, who was reportedly kicked out of the club earlier that night and has a lengthy criminal record, faces 37 counts each of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon and could receive a life sentence if convicted. Amid the chaos, bystanders pulled Ramirez from the vehicle and attacked him, during which 28-year-old Efrain Villalobos of Lawndale allegedly shot Ramirez in the lower back before fleeing the scene. Villalobos is described as 5-foot-10, 160 pounds, with a shaved head, brown eyes, gauged ears, and distinctive tattoos including his last name and the phrase "Respect is earned not given." He is wanted on serious felony charges and considered armed and dangerous, with police urging the public to report any sightings. Authorities believe revenge fueled by anger and alcohol may have motivated the incident, though the exact reasons remain unclear.