Driver arrested on suspicion of DUI after 3 killed in North Hollywood crash
Minivan driver arrested in deadly North Hollywood crash
Ihor Demianenko, 61, was arrested on suspicion of DUI after crashing into street vendors near the North Hollywood Metro station, killing three women.
LOS ANGELES - A man was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after crashing into a group of street vendors and pedestrians near the North Hollywood Metro station on Tuesday evening.
The collision killed three women and left two others hospitalized.
What we know:
Police arrested 61-year-old Ihor Demianenko on suspicion of DUI after his vehicle jumped the sidewalk barriers at the intersection of Lankershim and Chandler boulevards just before 6 p.m. on Tuesday.
Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics pronounced three women dead at the scene, and two additional female victims in their 50s were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
According to police, Demianenko was traveling southbound on Lankershim Boulevard in a white minivan when the vehicle breached protective barriers and barreled through a blue tarp canopy sheltering multiple sidewalk vendors selling coffee, tamales, hot dogs, and pastries.
All five victims – the three people killed and the two others hospitalized – were women.
First responders extricated Demianenko from the vehicle; authorities noted he was speaking and appeared in shock before being taken to Dignity Health - Northridge Hospital Medical Center.
Officers from the LAPD Valley Traffic Division placed Demianenko under arrest at the hospital at 9:10 p.m. on Tuesday, and he was formally booked into the LAPD Valley Jail in Van Nuys at 1:39 a.m. on Wednesday on felony charges with bail set at $6,030,000.
What we don't know:
Authorities have not released the identities of the three women killed.
Prosecutors have not yet filed specific penal code charges against Demianenko beyond the felony booking, and an initial court arraignment date has not been scheduled.
It's also unclear what specific substance is suspected in the impairment or the estimated vehicle speed Demianenko was traveling before impact.
Local perspective:
The deadly crash took place near the North Hollywood Arts District. The area is known for numerous food stands just outside the Metro station selling pastries and drinks to public transit commuters and nearby workers.
Adrin Nazarian, who represents parts of the San Fernando Valley in the Los Angeles City Council, arrived at the crash scene. He said the area is known for being very close knit.
"People are very, very friendly. They know each other," Council member Nazarian said. "This is the heart of North Hollywood area. This is The Arts District right here. So there's always people, there's always actors, there are always people going to restaurants, coming off of the terminus, the clear change of the red line for the orange line. So this is a constantly very active place. It's extremely concerning when you hear something like this happen."
3 dead after car hits crowd in North Hollywood
At least three people are dead after being hit by a car a short distance from the North Hollywood Metro station.
What they're saying:
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell described the forensic review underway at the crash site Tuesday night: "Our investigators have the video. They'll run it down in slow motion and take it frame-by-frame to determine what happened."
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass released a statement on X addressing the crash: "Today, an SUV drove onto a sidewalk near the North Hollywood Metro Station, striking a group of street vendors and pedestrians. Tragically, preliminary reports indicate that three people have lost their lives and others have been injured. First responders are on the scene, and my office is closely coordinating with city departments as authorities work to determine what caused this horrific incident. I'm heartbroken for the families of everyone impacted. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available."
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger also issued a statement regarding the tragedy: "I am stunned by the tragic loss of life in North Hollywood and my thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, and everyone affected by this devastating incident. My thoughts are also with those who were critically injured, and I am hoping for their recovery during this difficult time. I want to thank the first responders who rushed to the scene and provided emergency assistance. We need to understand exactly what happened and what led to this tragedy. I will be closely following the investigation and seeking additional information as the facts emerge."
Councilmember Adrin Nazarian highlighted the impact on the local community: "People are very, very friendly. They know each other. This is the heart of North Hollywood area. This is The Arts District right here. So there's always people, there's always actors, there are always people going to restaurants, coming off of the terminus, the clear change of the red line for the orange line. So this is a constantly very active place. It's extremely concerning when you hear something like this happen."
What's next:
Detectives from the LAPD Valley Traffic Division are examining surveillance footage frame-by-frame to establish the vehicle's mechanics, speed, and path prior to mounting the curb.
The case will be submitted to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office to determine formal criminal charges, followed by an arraignment hearing in court.
The Source: This report is based directly on on-scene briefings and official releases from the Los Angeles Police Department, the Los Angeles Fire Department, and statements from municipal leaders including Chief Jim McDonnell and Mayor Karen Bass. Suspect booking, bail, and custody information were obtained through the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Inmate Information Center public database.