A man who allegedly shot a driver accused of deliberately crashing his car into a crowd of people in Los Angeles has been arrested.
Efrain Villalobos was arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) on Sunday and is accused of attempted murder.
The alleged offense relates to an incident outside of The Vermont in East Hollywood around 2 am on Saturday, July 19.
Highlights
- Efrain Villalobos was arrested for attempted murder after shooting a driver who allegedly rammed into a crowd outside The Vermont club in East Hollywood.
- Fernando Ramirez, 29, is accused of intentionally driving into a crowd, injuring 37 people with wounds ranging from minor bruises to broken bones.
- Ramirez had reportedly been kicked out of the club before crashing into the crowd and was allegedly later shot in the lower back by Villalobos, who then fled.
Efrain Villalobos is accused of shooting a man who allegedly drove into a crowd of people
Image credits: LAPD
Fernando Ramirez, 29, is accused of intentionally driving into a crowd outside of the club, injuring 37 people.
The injuries ranged from minor abrasions to serious fractures and lacerations to broken bones.
Ramirez, who had reportedly been kicked out of The Vermont beforehand, was then attacked by bystanders and shot in the lower back by one, who fled the scene on foot.
The LAPD released CCTV images in a bid to trace the suspected shooter and he was later identified as Villalobos.
Image credits: Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
During the search, LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said Ramirez being shot after the threat had ended meant it was dangerous and unlawful.
"We understand the emotions involved, but when the threat had ended and the suspect was no longer actively harming others, the use of deadly force was both unlawful and dangerous to everybody present," he told reporters last month.
Officers traced Villalobos to the Redondo Beach area on Sunday and arrested him.
He is being held without bail and the case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office for filing consideration, the LAPD said.
Ramirez was charged with 37 counts of attempted murder and 37 counts of assault with a deadly weapon.
Image credits: Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
It is also alleged that he inflicted great bodily injury on eight of the victims and that he was out on bail on a separate case when he committed these crimes.
“The defendant’s brazen and destructive actions, as alleged in the criminal complaint, have caused unimaginable harm to dozens of innocent people,” District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said.
“This is a heinous act that left dozens injured, and while the allegations will be tested in court, the impact on the victims is undeniable.
“Our thoughts are with them and their loved ones as they begin the long road to recovery. We are committed to pursuing justice with care and compassion for those impacted.”
If Ramirez is convicted, he faces multiple sentences of life in state prison.