Five people were injured after an SUV driver went to a market on Hollywood Boulevard on Friday.
Los Angeles police believe the suspect fell asleep behind the wheel as a result of a poisoning, 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 has been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI). https://t.co/tc1x6thdwl
– LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) March 19, 2021
The driver was allegedly driving on the wrong side of the road before hitting a barrier and crashing into the Hollywood Market liquor store, KTLA reports.
Although it was initially reported that three of the victims were in critical condition, LAPD chief Michael Moore tweeted later in the evening that all the victims were in stable condition.
Two of the injured pedestrians were Washington tourists, one of whom suffered broken ribs and a broken leg. According to Moore, the other was described as “moderately injured” and suffered lacerations and abrasions.
This incident points to a continuing threat that DUI poses to our security. Update on the victims: 2 tourists from Washington. One has serious injuries with broken ribs, broken leg. The other has moderate injuries with lacerations and abrasions. All victims are stable at this time. https://t.co/93U5SU6Fqf
– Cap Michel Moore (@LAPDChiefMoore) March 20, 2021
Two more victims were identified as Fox 11 journalist Hal Eisner and his photographer, who were in the area to record a segment of news about the reopening of the El Capitan theater at the time, according to KTLA.
“It could have been any of us,” Hollywood Ambassador Gregg Donovan told the local press. “You never know here on Hollywood Boulevard. I mean, all of a sudden, like that. I couldn’t believe it, I was shocked.”
According to a statement issued by 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.