Photo: ROBYN BECK / AFP / Getty Images
Five people were injured Friday afternoon by a vehicle SUV in the heart of Hollywood , including two journalists from the FOX channel in Los Angeles.
Reporter Hal Eisner and a photographer named Joab Pérez, both FOX employees 11, were transported along with three other people to a hospital after the white SUV struck them before crashing into a small supermarket very close to the popular intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue .
Authorities said the condition of four of the injured was from serious to critical. The driver of the SUV was arrested on suspicion of being under the influence of substances . There are reports that he fell asleep at the wheel.
Prayers for my friends and @ FOXLA colleagues @ HalEisner and photographer Joab Perez, who are in the hospital after being hit by an out of control car, and for the others injured. Reporter @ KocoMcAboy reports driver arrested on suspicion of DUI; police say he said he fell asleep. pic.twitter.com/UhgpWAdYV4
– Gigi Graciette (@GigiGraciette) March 19, 2021
Tow truck driver pulling the driver’s vehicle from the store after the crash at Hollywood & Highland. @ FOXLA pic.twitter.com/EAzgzfr0jF
– Koco (@KocoMcAboy ) March 19, 2021
The two FOX journalists 11 were at the scene preparing a report about the legendary El Capitan cinema, one of the movie theaters that reopened this Friday in Los Angeles. El Capitan is across the street from the Dolby Theater – home of the Oscars – and the Chinese Theater.
The incident occurred around 3: 30 pm and forced to temporarily close Hollywood Boulevard.
This incident points to continued threat DUI poses to our safety. Update on victims: 2 tourists from Washington. One has severe injuries with broken ribs, broken leg. The other has moderate injuries with lacerations and abrasions. All victims listed as stable at this point. https://t.co/ 93 U5SU6Fqf
– Chief Michel Moore (@LAPDChiefMoore) March 19, 1200
The other two injured people are two tourists from Washington; one of them suffered several fractures , including a leg.
Multiple communicators and employees of the FOX channel 11 expressed concern for their co-workers.
Please everyone, pray for one of my best friends – Hal Eisner. We literally talk everyday. He was hit by a car today in Hollywood. I’m totally freaked out. Please God, don’t take him now! We need him! We needs lots of prayers now !!! 🙏🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/9BdvEeIJHr
– Gary Caloroso (@GaryCaloroso) March 19, 2021