The Folsom community is coming together to support Powerhouse Pub security guard Lucas Espinoza, who remains hospitalized with significant injuries following the violent incident outside the Historic Folsom establishment early Friday morning. Friends, musicians, regular patrons, and residents throughout the region have begun contributing to a growing GoFundMe effort created to help Espinoza as he continues a long road to recovery.
Espinoza, well known to many who frequent Powerhouse Pub and throughout the community, was seriously injured shortly after 12:30 a.m. when a pickup truck backed into the front of the business and then struck him while attempting to flee. According to the Folsom Police Department, security guards chased the truck on foot after it hit the building. When they approached the driver, he turned the vehicle toward Espinoza, struck him, then reversed and ran over him a second time before driving away.
Powerhouse owners Murray Weaver and Nazaria Nguyen shared their gratitude for the community’s immediate support is profound.
“A heartfelt Thank You to our Folsom community including the Folsom Police Department, first responders, concerned friends of PowerHouse, and mostly our diligent security guard, Lucas,” shared Weaver. “Lucas suffered major injuries after being run over by truck while attempting to identify the license plate of a vehicle that had just rammed into the building at 614 Sutter St. Had it not been for the quick work of our mobile medical team this horrible incident would have likely had a far worse outcome.”
Local musician Adam Aldama launched an initial GoFundMe page shortly after learning of the severity of Espinoza’s injuries, which is now one of two pages established by community members to help support Espinoza through his recovery.
While the criminal case moves forward, the community’s focus has shifted to Espinoza’s recovery. His injuries are extensive — 65 stitches to the head, broken ribs, a shoulder injury, and significant damage to his neck and spine, according to Aldama. Powerhouse regulars and longtime friends describe him as a positive presence at the popular venue, someone who always looked out for others. Now, many are determined to look out for him.
Aldama said the donations will help cover medical costs, rehabilitation, and the day-to-day expenses that insurance does not cover.
“Lucas is now in the hospital, undergoing treatment for serious injuries, including 65 stitches to the head, broken ribs, a shoulder injury, and significant damage to his neck and spine. His road to recovery will be long and challenging, and the medical, living, and rehabilitation expenses are going to be overwhelming,” Aldama said. “As a community, we can make a huge difference in his life during this difficult time for him. The funds raised here will go directly towards covering his medical bills, living expenses, and rehabilitation costs as he works to recover from these life-altering injuries.”
Units from the Folsom Fire Department arrived minutes later at 12:32 a.m., and Espinoza was transported to a local hospital with major injuries. Police later arrested Zachary Pavan, 40, of Citrus Heights, who is being held without eligibility for bail. He faces multiple felony charges, including attempted murder, hit and run with death or permanent serious injury, and assault with a deadly weapon.
“Weaver praised the Folsom Fire Department for their fast work in apprehending the suspect as well.”
“Due to the quick work of Folsom Police, perpetrator Zachary Pavan was identified, arrested and is in custody facing attempted murder and other felony charges,” Weaver said.
Folsom resident Elena Driscoll has also created a GoFundMe page for Lucas that has drawn additional support from those who know him personally. She described Espinoza as someone whose presence,”impacts many lives.”
“Lucas Espinoza is more than just a friend—he’s a coach, a brother, an uncle, a dancer, and someone who brings light and energy to everyone around him. He doesn’t have a lot of family support, so his friendships and the community he’s built mean everything to him. We all care deeply about Lucas, and right now, he needs us more than ever,” Driscoll shared.
She also recounted further details surrounding the incident and Espinoza’s condition.
“Lucas faced a terrifying situation. Someone tried to enter the bar after hours, and when Lucas asked them to leave, they returned and hit him with their car in a hit-and-run. His injuries are very serious, with fractured ribs, broken clavicle, internal bleeding, and fractured vertebrae in his spine, along with stitches & staples on his head and he’s now facing a long road to recovery. With hospital bills, possible surgeries, and the reality that he won’t be able to work for some time, Lucas is in urgent need of support.”
Reflecting on the timing of the incident, which was Thanksgiving night, Driscoll added:
“Thanksgiving just passed, and while everyone has shared what they’re thankful for, I’m just grateful that Lucas is still with us. I believe in the power of our small community to come together and lift him up during this difficult time. Any help you can give—whether it’s a donation or sharing this fundraiser—will make a world of difference for Lucas. Thank you for standing with him and showing what true friendship and community look like.”
The response to the GoFundMe efforts has been overwhelming. Powerhouse patrons, Folsom residents, and members of the region’s music and nightlife community have been sharing both fundraisers widely, offering messages of encouragement and support as Espinoza continues treatment.
“The concern and support we have received has been simply overwhelming from the Folsom community which has truly created a holiday spirit for our Powerhouse family and Lucas in this trying time,” Weaver added. “Lucas, amazingly, is recovering well and will be doing physical therapy to fully regain his health.”
Those wishing to donate can click the links in this story to help, or simply go to GoFundMe.com and search “Lucas Espinoza” to find the fundraising pages to donate or send your thoughts to him.
The two combined GoFundMe pages have already accumulated over $10,000 in donations to support the expenses and hardship Lucas will incur.
“Thank you all for your donations in support of Lucas! He is in good spirits and is staying positive. As of right now, the air pocket behind his lung has gone away, but the fluid/blood around his ribs have increased so the doctors will be doing a chest tap on him tomorrow and will continue monitoring him to make sure there is no more fluid build up,” Driscoll shared Monday. “He still has a very long road ahead of him and will continue to be in the hospital at least for the next few days. Thank you to everyone who has donated, sent him kind messages and gone to see him, it’s meant the world!”
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