Driver arrested on suspicion of DUI after 3 killed in North Hollywood crash

LOS ANGELES - A suspected DUI driver was arrested after speeding onto a crowded sidewalk outside the North Hollywood Metro station on Tuesday evening, crashing into sidewalk food stands and pedestrians. 

The collision killed three women and left two others hospitalized.

What we know:

Police arrested 61-year-old Ihor Demianenko after his white minivan breached protective barriers at the intersection of Lankershim and Chandler boulevards just before 6 p.m. during rush hour. 

According to investigators, Demianenko was speeding southbound on Lankershim when he attempted to pass another vehicle, lost control, jumped the curb, and plowed directly into a blue tarp canopy sheltering multiple sidewalk vendors and people gathered around the stands. The vendors, who sold coffee, tamales, hot dogs, and pastries, have served local commuters and neighborhood workers for years.

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics extricated the driver and pronounced three female victims dead at the scene, with their ages ranging from their late 30s to their late 50s. Two additional female victims in their 50s were transported to a nearby hospital, where both remain admitted and one is listed in critical condition. 

First responders noted that Demianenko appeared to be in shock and was speaking before being transported to Dignity Health - Northridge Hospital Medical Center.

What we don't know:

Authorities have not released the identities of the three women killed, and officials have not confirmed whether the victims were sidewalk vendors, customers, or passing commuters. 

Prosecutors have not yet filed specific charges beyond the initial felony booking, and an arraignment date has not been scheduled.

It's also unclear what specific substance is suspected in the alleged impairment or the vehicle's exact speed prior to the 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."

What they're saying:

Law enforcement officials described the tragedy as entirely preventable.

LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell outlined the extensive forensic and investigative work underway: "Our investigators have the video. They'll run it down in slow motion and take it frame-by-frame to determine what happened." McDonnell said. "We'll be pulling all of the video that we can in the area, talking to the witnesses. They need to be interviewed. And it'll be probably a prolonged but a very deliberate investigation to determine what happened here. And our hearts go out to the families of the victims."

Elected officials also voiced their sorrow and called for a thorough inquiry. 

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement on X: "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 stated: "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."

Los Angeles City Councilmember Adrin Nazarian, who represents parts of the San Fernando Valley and visited the scene, emphasized the deep connections within the neighborhood: "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 continue to review recovered street surveillance footage frame-by-frame to determine the vehicle's mechanics, speed, and path before jumping the sidewalk. 

Investigators will finish interviewing witnesses and submit their findings to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office to determine formal criminal charges ahead of a court arraignment.

The Source: This report is based on official incident statements and briefings provided by the Los Angeles Police Department, the Los Angeles Fire Department, LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell, and reporting from responding officers. The suspect's arrest, booking, and bail were confirmed through public law enforcement booking records, alongside public statements issued by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, and City Councilmember Adrin Nazarian. City News Service contributed.