Suspect Arrested for Allegedly Shooting Driver in LA Car Plowing

In a significant development in Los Angeles, authorities have arrested 28-year-old Efrain Villalobos in connection with the shooting of Fernando Ramirez, the driver who allegedly plowed his car into a crowd outside an East Hollywood nightclub on July 19, 2025. Villalobos was apprehended on August 3, 2025, in Redondo Beach, California, and has been charged with attempted murder.

The incident unfolded around 2 a.m. on July 19, when Ramirez, 29, was ejected from The Vermont Hollywood nightclub for disruptive behavior. Shortly after his removal, Ramirez drove his Nissan Versa onto the sidewalk, intentionally driving into a crowd of pedestrians, including clubgoers, valets, and food vendors. The attack resulted in injuries to 37 individuals, with eight victims sustaining serious injuries such as fractures and lacerations.

Following the crash, bystanders pulled Ramirez from his vehicle and began assaulting him. During this altercation, Villalobos allegedly shot Ramirez once in the lower back before fleeing the scene on foot. Surveillance footage captured a man wearing a blue Dodgers jacket and a light blue jersey with the number “5” as the suspected shooter.

Villalobos was identified as a suspect in the shooting on July 21, 2025, and was considered armed and dangerous. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) released his photograph to the public, seeking assistance in locating him. Two weeks later, on August 3, Villalobos was arrested in Redondo Beach. He has been booked on charges of attempted murder and is being held without bail. The case is currently under review by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for potential filing.

The motive behind Villalobos’s alleged actions remains under investigation. Authorities have not disclosed any known connection between Villalobos and Ramirez prior to the incident. The LAPD continues to encourage the public to come forward with any information that may assist in the ongoing investigation.

This arrest marks a significant development in a case that has drawn considerable public attention due to the severity of the incident and the injuries sustained by numerous individuals. The LAPD is committed to ensuring justice is served and is actively working to uncover all circumstances surrounding the events of July 19.