A 61-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after driving into pedestrians and street vendors in North Hollywood, California, killing 3 women and critically injuring 2 others, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) announced.
The collision happened around 5:55 p.m. Tuesday near 5350 N. Lankershim Boulevard, south of Chandler Boulevard. Investigators said a white Toyota Sienna was traveling southbound at an unsafe speed when the driver veered to the right, left the roadway and struck a traffic signal before hitting several people on the sidewalk near a Metro station.
The impact threw pedestrians and damaged private property in different directions. The driver remained trapped inside the vehicle until police officers and Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) paramedics arrived.
Three women, all Hispanic and between 40 and 60 years old, were pronounced dead at the scene. Their identities have not been released pending notification of their families.
Two other women, both Hispanic and between 50 and 55 years old, were taken to a hospital in critical condition. The driver suffered minor injuries and was also transported for treatment.
Police identified the driver as Ihor Demianenko, 61, of Valley Village. Investigators determined he was under the influence, and he was subsequently arrested on 3 counts of murder. His bail was set at $6.03 million.
LAPD Valley Traffic Division detectives are investigating the collision. Anyone with information is asked to contact investigators or provide an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers.