Five people were injured after the driver of an SUV plowed into a market on Hollywood Boulevard on Friday.
Los Angeles police believe the suspect at the wheel fell asleep due to drunkenness, according to a tweet from the Los Angeles Police Department. The man was arrested and charged with driving under the influence.
UPDATE:
The male driver of the vehicle was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI). https://t.co/tc1x6thdwl
– LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) 19 March 2021
The driver allegedly drove on the wrong side of the road before hitting a barrier and crashing into the Hollywood Market Liquor Store, KTLA reported.
It was initially reported that three of the victims were in critical condition, but LAPD chief Michael Moore tweeted later that evening that all victims were in a stable condition.
Two of the injured pedestrians were tourists from Washington, one of whom sustained ribs and broken leg. The others, according to Moore, were described as ‘moderate injuries’, suffering from tear wounds and abrasions.
This incident indicates an ongoing threat that DUI poses to our safety. Victim update: 2 tourists from Washington. One has serious injuries with broken ribs, broken leg. The other one has moderate injuries with tear wounds and abrasions. All victims are listed as stable at this stage. https://t.co/93U5SU6Fqf
– Chief Michel Moore (@LAPDChiefMoore) 20 March 2021
Two other victims have been identified as Fox 11 reporter Hal Eisner and his photographer, who according to KTLA were in the area to record a news segment about the reopening of the El Capitan Theater.
“It could have been any of us,” Hollywood Ambassador Gregg Donovan told the local news office. “You never know here on Hollywood Boulevard. I mean, out of the blue, just like that. I could not believe it, I was shocked.”
According to a statement issued by the Los Angeles Fire Department, there is no damage to the structural integrity of the building, which is located on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.