LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles Police Department officers fired at two armed robbery suspects in the Fairfax district Thursday evening who attempted to rob a customer in a Melrose Avenue store.
Officers at the scene reported they believed at least one suspect was struck by police gunfire and the suspects fled the area in a dark colored SUV, according to reports from the scene.
The shooting occurred just before 7 p.m. in the 7800 block of Melrose Avenue, near Fairfax High School, according to the LAPD. CBS 2 reported the suspects manhandled and possibly attempted to rob a customer of a designer watch in a store.
LAPD Officer Annie Hernandez told the Los Angeles Times one suspect fired at officers and one officer returned fire.
An officer suffered a graze wound, was taken to a hospital and was listed in stable condition, The Times reported.
Police said they think one suspect was wounded in the exchange of gunfire.
Streets near the intersection of Melrose and Fairfax avenues were closed for an unknown duration as authorities investigated the shooting.
LAPD Det. Meghan Aguilar said the department has committed additional officers to the shopping district after it was hit with a series of robberies over several months.
“We know there have been quite a few robberies here,” Aguilar said.
Officers continue to comb the area looking for a weapon and are also examining video surveillance from nearby businesses.
Anyone with information was asked to call the LAPD at 877-527-3247. Anonymous tips can be called in to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or submitted online at lacrimestoppers.org.
