Police have arrested a 61-year-old man in connection with a fatal collision that killed three women and injured two others near the North Hollywood Metro station on Tuesday evening. The suspect, identified as Ihor Demianenko, faces felony DUI charges.
Demianenko was reportedly driving a white SUV southbound on North Lankershim Boulevard shortly before 6 p.m. when he veered off the road and struck a crowd of pedestrians, including several street vendors. The impact resulted in the deaths of three women, aged 40, 53, and 69, and left two others hospitalized. Emergency services worked to extricate Demianenko from his heavily damaged vehicle; he was conscious but in shock at the scene.
Demianenko is being held at the LAPD Valley Jail on $6.03 million bail. Authorities are reviewing video footage of the incident to determine the exact circumstances of the crash. The scene, which occurred outside the metro station, was marked by significant debris and damaged tents.
Mayor Karen Bass expressed her condolences, stating, "I’m heartbroken for the families of everyone impacted." She confirmed that her office is coordinating with city departments as the investigation proceeds. The investigation is ongoing.