LAPD identifies Efrain Villalobos as suspect wanted in shooting of driver after car plowed into crowd in East Hollywood
Authorities have identified the wanted man suspected of shooting a driver who was pulled out of a car and beaten after the vehicle plowed into a crowd outside an East Hollywood nightclub earlier this month, injuring over 30 people.
The suspected gunman was identified as 28-year-old Efrain Villalobos, a resident of Lawndale, the Los Angeles Police Department said in Friday statement that included two photos of Villalobos.
He is described as a Hispanic man with a shaved head and brown eyes. He stands five feet ten inches tall, weighs approximately 160 pounds, the LAPD said.
Villalobos has gauged piercings in both ears and multiple tattoos: 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, according to authorities.
"Villalobos is facing serious felony charges in connection with the shooting of the driver and should be considered armed and dangerous," the news release said. Anyone who sees the suspect was urged to call 911.
Investigators believe revenge -- fueled by anger and alcohol -- was a possible motivating factor in the ramming, senior law enforcement officials told ABC News. The crash suspect, identified as 29-year-old Fernando Ramirez, was kicked out of The Vermont Hollywood around 2 a.m. Then, he allegedly got into his car, made a U-turn, and drove up onto the sidewalk, plowing into the crowd.
The LAPD said at least 36 people were hurt, with injuries ranging from minor pain to serious fractures and lacerations.
Law enforcement officials said toxicology tests would determine if alcohol fueled the angry rampage. Ramirez was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon.
Early last week, Los Angeles police released a photo of the man accused of shooting him during the chaotic moments after the ramming.
He was last seen wearing a blue Dodgers jacket and a light blue jersey with the number five, and blue jeans.
Video from after the violent crash shows bystanders pulling the driver from his Nissan Versa, punching and kicking him. Then, police say the wanted man came from across the street and shot the suspect. The shooter fled the scene and remains at large.
