Five people were injured after an SUV driver drove into a market on Hollywood Boulevard on Friday.
Los Angeles police believe the suspect fell asleep at the wheel as a result of intoxication, according to a tweet from the Los Angeles police. The man was arrested and charged with drunk driving.
UPDATING:
The male driver of the vehicle has been arrested for drunk driving (DUI). https://t.co/tc1x6thdwl
– LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) March 19, 2021
The driver reportedly drove on the wrong side of the road before hitting a barrier and crashing into the Hollywood Market Liquor Store, KTLA reports.
While three of the victims were initially reported to be in critical condition, LAPD chief Michael Moore tweeted later that evening that all of the victims were in stable condition.
Two of the injured pedestrians were tourists from Washington, one of whom suffered fractured ribs and a broken leg. The other was described as having “moderate injuries” and suffered cuts and scrapes, Moore said.
This incident indicates an ongoing threat from DUI to our security. Update on victims: 2 tourists from Washington. One has serious injuries with broken ribs, broken leg. The other has moderate injuries with cuts and scrapes. All victims are listed as stable at this point. https://t.co/93U5SU6Fqf
– Chief Michel Moore (@LAPDChiefMoore) March 20, 2021
Two other victims were identified as Fox 11 reporter Hal Eisner and his photographer, who, according to KTLA, were around at the time to shoot 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 outlet. “You never know here on Hollywood Boulevard. I mean, just like that. I couldn’t believe it, I was in shock. ‘
According to a statement from the Los Angeles Fire Department, there was no damage to the structural integrity of the building, which is located on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.