Three Street Vendors Killed in North Hollywood DUI Crash
An aerial view of the crash scene near the North Hollywood Metro station where a vehicle struck sidewalk vendors and pedestrians.
Three women were killed and two others injured when a suspected drunk driver plowed his vehicle into sidewalk vendors and pedestrians near a Metro station in North Hollywood. The community has mourned the victims, known for their kindness and generosity, while the driver has been arrested and charged with murder. Local leaders and residents have expressed deep grief and called for justice following the devastating incident.
- WhenTuesday evening, November 10, around 5:55 p.m.
- WhereIntersection of Lankershim and Chandler boulevards near the North Hollywood Metro station
- Who was involvedThree deceased street vendors, two injured pedestrians, and suspect Ihor Demianenko
- Casualties3 dead, 2 injured in critical condition
- CauseSuspected driving under the influence
- StatusSuspect arrested, booked on three counts of murder with bail set at over $6 million
Photos
1 photosWhat happened
A tragic crash occurred on a Tuesday evening when a white minivan veered off the road and plowed into sidewalk vendors and pedestrians. The impact sent pedestrians and debris flying in different directions near the entrance of a subway stop.
Emergency personnel responded to the busy intersection of Lankershim and Chandler boulevards, where aerial footage later showed a badly damaged vehicle crashed against the side of the station near the escalators and stairs leading underground.
Teodora Villalobos and Maria Peck, two of the street vendors killed in the North Hollywood collision.
How it unfolded
Witnesses described hearing a loud boom and a sudden crash as the vehicle slammed into the area where vendors routinely set up. According to police and local council members, the driver veered to the right and ran off the road.
Law enforcement stated that the driver was operating under the influence of alcohol, with a blood alcohol level recorded at twice the legal limit. Investigators began reviewing footage from intersection cameras to piece together the sequence of events.
Emergency vehicles and police tape cordoned off the intersection of Lankershim and Chandler boulevards following the crash.
The people involved
Three women were killed at the scene, while two other women were hospitalized in critical condition. Two of the deceased vendors were identified as 57-year-old Teodora Villalobos, a mother of three from El Salvador who had sold food at the corner for 20 years, and 74-year-old Maria Peck, a mother of five. The identity of the third woman had not been publicly released pending notification of next of kin.
The suspect was identified by police as 61-year-old Ihor Demianenko. Initially reported by police as being in critical condition, his injuries were later updated to minor. Neighbors and community members remembered the vendors fondly, describing them as sweet, friendly individuals who frequently provided free food to those in need, including the homeless.
Response and aftermath
Community members gathered at the street corner following the crash, leaving flowers, candles, and messages of grief and frustration. Local leaders, including Mayor Karen Bass and City Councilmember Adrin Nazarian, expressed heartbreak over the tragedy and announced fundraising efforts alongside ICON CDC to support the victims' families.
Demianenko was booked on three counts of murder, and his bail was set at over $6 million. Police records and officials indicated it was not immediately clear if he had retained an attorney to speak on his behalf.
What we still don't know
The official identity of the third female victim had not been released by authorities as of Wednesday afternoon. Further details regarding the exact trajectory of the vehicle prior to impact and any potential prior offenses by the driver remain under investigation.