Investigation underway after police shoot at suspects near Melrose and Fairfax

An investigation was underway after police shot at suspects near Melrose and Fairfax Avenues Thursday evening.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, two officers were alerted to an attempted robbery at a nearby store by a passerby.

Detective Meghan Aguilar said two robbery suspects wearing ski masks who walked into the store and attempted to steal a customer's watch, which they failed to do before officers became involved.

"We do know that there have been quite a few robberies here [on Melrose]," said Aguilar. "We're very much aware of the concern, the rightful and justifiable concern, of the residents, of the business owners, of people coming to this area — that's why our officers were very quick to act." 

As officers arrived at the store, the suspects, both reportedly armed with handguns, left the building which is when the officer-involved shooting occurred. 

The shooting happened at around 7 p.m. in the 7800 block of Melrose Avenue between Ogden and Orange Grove Avenues, a block away from Fairfax Avenue.

Despite belief from officers that one of the suspects was struck by gunfire, it was unclear if either were hit as they drove off in a black SUV, which was last seen going westbound on Melrose. 

An officer sustained non-life threatening injuries to his leg and was taken to the hospital. He was released later Thursday night. No one else was injured.

Aguilar said it is uncertain if police were shot at but officers were searching for a weapon near the store that the suspects might have left behind. 

The area remained closed overnight as the investigation continued. 

Over the past several months, LAPD increased patrols and its presence in the Melrose and Fairfax shopping areas after a string of armed robberies.