A gunman wanted for shooting a man accused of intentionally driving into a crowd outside an East Hollywood nightclub has been identified as he remains at large.
The shooter was identified as Efrain Villalobos, 28, of Lawndale, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
On July 19, Fernando Ramirez, 29, is accused of driving his car into a large crowd outside a popular nightclub in the 1000 block of North Vermont Avenue.
More than 120 first responders rushed to the scene where 37 people were taken to the hospital with injuries ranging from minor pain to serious fractures and lacerations. Several people who were struck by the car were briefly trapped beneath it. No fatalities were reported.
Earlier that night, Ramirez had reportedly been removed from the nightclub for being disruptive and was turned away when he tried to reenter the venue.
He allegedly got into his car, drove to Vermont Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard, where he made a U-turn before driving onto the sidewalk and hitting a taco vendor’s stand and a valet podium before he plowed into the crowd of people.
After the crash, cell phone video showed bystanders pulling Ramirez out of his vehicle and repeatedly punching and kicking him.
During the altercation, a gunman, Villalobos, allegedly approached from across the street and shot Ramirez in the lower back. He fled the scene before police arrived.
Ramirez was taken to the hospital and later arrested. On July 22, he was charged by the L.A. County District Attorney’s Office with 37 counts of attempted murder and 37 counts of assault with a deadly weapon. If convicted as charged, he could face multiple sentences of life in prison.
LAPD is still searching for Villalobos. He is described as a Hispanic male who stands 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs around 160 pounds. He has a shaved head, brown eyes and distinctive features including gauged piercings in both ears.
He has multiple tattoos including his last name “Villalobos” on his right forearm, the phrase, “Respect is earned not given” on the inner part of his right arm and the name “Miabella” on his left inner arm.
Villalobos is facing felony charges in connection with the shooting. Police said he should be considered armed and dangerous.
“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,” said L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman. “ 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.”
Anyone who has seen Villalobos is asked to call LAPD Detective Audelo at 213-484-3451 or simply dial 911. Callers should reference case number 25132662.
Anonymous tips can be provided to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.
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