LAPD Pledges To Step Up DUI Enforcement After Hollywood Crash

HOLLYWOOD, CA — Veteran Fox11 reporter Hal Eisner continues to recover at the hospital after he was one of five people injured when a drunk driver crashed into a Hollywood boulevard storefront Friday afternoon. On Saturday, Eisner thanked the community for their support and provided an update on his condition.

"As I lay here in a hospital bed at Cedars-Sinai I want to take a minute to say thank you, I love you, you’re amazing and I’m grateful," Eisner wrote on Facebook. "I’m grateful to be alive. I’m grateful for all of your heartfelt comments and the many feelings you’ve expressed since Friday’s awful auto-pedestrian crash that involved FOX11 photographer Joab Perez, myself and three other people on Hollywood Blvd."

"Joab and I were interviewing for a story for the FOX11 6.o’clock News," he continued. "I have a gash on my right hand, a knee fracture and pretty serious and painful back spasms. I have a leg brace,my hand is wrapped and the spasms are very painful. But, I will get over this. One of the best meds has been your caring and outreach! Thank you for your love and support! Hugs!"

The car struck a group of pedestrians on the sidewalk as it crashed into the front of the Highland Market at 6818 Hollywood Blvd. near the El Capitan Theatre at about 3:05 p.m., the Los Angeles Fire Department reported.

A Los Angeles Police Department spokesman said the motorist, who was not immediately identified, was driving the wrong way when he veered off the road in the Hollywood Walk of Fame tourist area. He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

Four people were taken to the hospital, all of whom are expected to survive. According to ABC7, the driver was unharmed and said he fell asleep at the wheel, although he failed sobriety tests.

In the wake of Friday's accident, LAPD pledged to step up DUI enforcement efforts with fatal traffic collisions on the rise in Los Angeles. According to LAPD, there have been 62 deadly crashes so far this year, compared to 46 at this point in 2020.

During the week of March 12-19, LAPD made 18 DUI arrests after being involved in car crashes.

"Motorists can expect to see high visibility traffic enforcement and a continued commitment to educate the public on the dangers of driving under the influence, whether it be from alcohol or drugs such as marijuana or prescription medication," LAPD said. "Be responsible, if you drink get a ride home with a ride share, designated driver or use public transportation—lives depend on it."