Panic erupts as SUV speeds through street carnival, injuring 6, California police say

People attending a Los Angeles street carnival scattered after hearing a loud boom as an SUV sped through the fair, injuring six visitors, California police told news outlets.

“It is a blessing that no one got severely injured,” Sgt. Robert Leary of the Los Angeles Police Department told the Los Angeles Times. Six people between the ages of 30 and 50 were taken to hospitals but none had life-threatening injuries.

The hit-and-run took place near Trinity Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard at 8:20 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, police told KTLA. The driver sped off afterward in the white-colored Porsche Cayenne SUV.

Hundreds of people at the South Central neighborhood carnival reported hearing a loud boom that sounded like gunshots, sending screaming attendees dashing for cover, according to the station.

A vehicle matching the SUV’s description was found nearby, KTTV reported.

Authorities later arrested Steven Weems, 23, in connection with the incident, KTLA reported.

Weems faces a charge of felony hit-and-run, KABC reported.

This story was originally published November 13, 2022 at 9:42 AM with the headline "Panic erupts as SUV speeds through street carnival, injuring 6, California police say."