Introduction to the Incident
Criminal charges were filed on Tuesday against a man accused of shooting a driver who allegedly plowed into a crowd of pedestrians outside an East Hollywood nightclub and injured 37 people.
Efrain Villalobos, 28, of Lawndale, is charged with one felony count each of assault with a firearm and possession of a firearm by a felon, according to the criminal complaint.
Charges and Allegations
The complaint alleges that Villalobos personally used a handgun in the commission of the crime and personally inflicted great bodily injury on the driver, Fernando Ramirez, who is charged with 37 counts each of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon.
Villalobos allegedly has prior convictions from 2022 for grand theft and 2024 for burglary, according to the complaint.
Arrest and Custody
He was taken into custody about 1:15 p.m. Sunday by Redondo Beach police officers, authorities said. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department inmate records indicated that Villalobos was formally arrested at the Los Angeles Police Department’s Rampart Division at 5:45 p.m. Sunday.
Villalobos is suspected of shooting Ramirez, 29, in the lower back during a chaotic scene outside a nightclub in the early hours July 19, according to the LAPD.
Incident Details
Officers responded around 2 a.m. to the 1000 block of North Vermont Avenue, where a mass casualty incident had been reported involving at least 37 victims.
LAPD Capt. Ben Fernandes told the Los Angeles Times last month that Ramirez had been kicked out of the nightclub for being disruptive before he crashed into the crowd.
Efrain Villalobos is accused of shooting the driver who plowed his car into a crowd of people outside an East Hollywood club last month. This video was broadcast on the NBC4 News at 11 p.m. on Aug. 3, 2025.
Charges Against the Driver
Ramirez — who has a lengthy criminal record in Orange County dating back to 2014 — was charged July 22 with 37 counts in a case in which he could face a potential life prison sentence if he is convicted as charged.
The charges "correspond to each of the 37 victims that suffered injuries as a result of Mr. Ramirez’s actions," District Attorney Nathan Hochman said last month.
Police said Ramirez was pulled from the vehicle and shot in the back by Villalobos as onlookers set upon him after the crash.
Upcoming Court Dates
Meanwhile, Ramirez is due back in a downtown Los Angeles courtroom for arraignment Sept. 4 for arraignment. His previous court dates were postponed for just over a week while he recovered from the gunshot wound sustained after the crash.
Conclusion
The incident outside the East Hollywood nightclub has led to severe charges against both the driver, Fernando Ramirez, and the alleged gunman, Efrain Villalobos. The case highlights the seriousness of the crimes committed and the potential for severe penalties upon conviction.
FAQs
Q: What are the charges against Efrain Villalobos?
A: Villalobos is charged with one felony count each of assault with a firearm and possession of a firearm by a felon.
Q: How many people were injured in the incident?
A: At least 37 people were injured when Fernando Ramirez allegedly plowed his car into a crowd outside the nightclub.
Q: What is the potential penalty for Fernando Ramirez if convicted?
A: Ramirez could face a potential life prison sentence if convicted as charged.
Q: When is Ramirez due back in court?
A: Ramirez is due back in a downtown Los Angeles courtroom for arraignment on Sept. 4.
