36 injured after car rams into crowd outside LA nightclub

36 people have been injured, seven critically, after a car rammed into pedestrians outside a nightclub in Los Angeles at the weekend. 

The incident occurred at around 2:AM on Saturday morning (July 19), as clubbers left The Vermont Hollywood in Silver Lake, LA; according to CNN, the suspect is believed to be 29-year-old Fernando Ramirez, who had been ejected from the venue due to being "disruptive."

Police claim Ramirez then intentionally rammed his car into pedestrians, before he was dragged out of his car and beaten by bystanders — with one individual allegedly shooting him in the lower back.

The street outside the venue was busy with club attendees waiting for valet services, queuing for food vendors and more, CNN reports.

Los Angeles Police Department Captain Ben Fernandes told The Los Angeles Times that videos of the incident appeared to show Ramirez "going up to the sidewalk further down [from the venue]" before hitting bystanders, determining that it was "an intentional act."

In a statement, The Vermot Hollywood said it was "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," it continues. "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," the statement ends. 

Ramirez remains in hospital, but has been arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon. A motive has yet to be determined by law enforcement. 

[Via: CNN]

Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Editor, follow her on Twitter