WEST HOLLYWOOD (CNS) - Police were searching today for a man who shot two other men who allegedly attempted to rob him in the West Hollywood area.
The men, one armed with a handgun, exited an idling silver or gray Dodge Avenger near Melrose Avenue and Vista Street and approached the victim, who was talking with two women, at about 7:10 p.m. Monday, according to a Los Angeles Police Department statement.
After exchanging words with the two alleged robbers, the victim quickly pulled out a handgun “apparently to defend himself and others in his group from the would-be robbery,'' police said. The man fired at the two suspects, who fled the scene on foot while the Dodge sped away.
The two suspects were taken into custody by police shortly after the shooting and were identified as 22-year-old Nicholas Brown and 28-year-old Markeil Hayes, both of Los Angeles. Brown was found with a gunshot wound to his upper left thigh, and Hayes was shot in his right calf.
Both men were treated for their wounds and later booked at the LAPD 77th Street Community Police Station jail without bail.
The driver of the Dodge was not found, and no description was provided. The man who shot Brown and Hayes has also not identified himself to police.
Anyone with information on the shooting was asked to contact LAPD Wilshire Robbery Detective J. Maloney at 213-922-8216. Calls made during non-business hours or on weekends can be directed to 877-527-3247.
Anonymous tips can be called in to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or submitted online at lacrimestoppers.org.
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