A case of extortion is believed to be what led to a gun battle in the parking lot of a supermarket in North Hollywood with at least one suspect wounded.
Graffiti demanding money, believed to be $100,000 according to LAPD, on the side of a North Hollywood supermarket. Police say the market owner was being extorted by alleged members of an Armenian gang & got into a shootout w/ suspects this morning. @KNX1070 pic.twitter.com/dnbtqryGHj
— Margaret Carrero (@KNXmargaret) October 28, 2019
Police say the owner of this market in North Hollywood was being extorted by alleged Armenian gang members & exchanged gunfire with the suspects this morning. At least one suspect injured. Three others at large. @KNX1070 pic.twitter.com/DQ8fUQmICS
— Margaret Carrero (@KNXmargaret) October 28, 2019Officials with the LAPD say detectives have been working this case for at least a week and were seeking a search warrant.
The suspects, allegedly members of an Armenian gang, tagged the side of the Royal Fresh supermarket on Sherman Way near Coldwater Canyon.
LA Police Sergeant Frank Preciado says the graffiti was a demand for money.
"We believe that should be about $100,000. Now the employees of the store were actually in the process of using a high-pressure washer and painting over that threat when those employees actually saw the suspects drive up," he said.
He says the employees immediately contacted the owner who responded.
"What the suspects weren't ready for is the victim responded with, at the scene, with a firearm..." he said.
At least one of the suspects was wounded in the gun battle. He took off on foot and collapsed a short time later. He was taken to an area hospital.
Three others are still being sought.
