An officer-involved shooting occurred after an attempted robbery on July 14 near Melrose and Orange Grove avenues. (photo by Edwin Folven)

Authorities are searching for two male suspects who allegedly robbed a victim on Melrose Avenue on July 14 and escaped after exchanging gunfire with officers, grazing an officer in the process.

The incident occurred at approximately 6:45 p.m. near the corner of Melrose and Orange Grove avenues, one block east of Melrose and Fairfax avenues. Det. Chris Marsden, with the Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Division, said a citizen flagged down a patrol car and told officers that a robbery was occurring. They approached two men who had allegedly attempted to steal a luxury watch from a male victim, and one of the suspects fired at officers, Marsden said. At least one officer returned fire but it is uncertain whether a suspect was struck, he added. One officer was slightly injured with a bullet graze wound to the leg. The officer was treated at a hospital. No other injuries were reported and the suspects did not steal the victim’s watch.

Officers established a perimeter but were unable to locate the suspects, Marsden said. The assailants were wearing masks and no description was available. They fled in a black SUV, Marsden added.

The officer-involved shooting is being investigated by the LAPD’s Force Investigation Division, which is standard protocol. The attempted robbery is being investigated by the LAPD’s Follow-Home Robbery Task Force, which is overseeing cases that are part of a trend involving suspects targeting people wearing expensive watches and jewelry. Authorities believe multiple groups of suspects from different gangs are committing the same type of follow-home robberies.

“We believe they followed [the victim] on Melrose,” Marsden said. He did not divulge where the victim was prior to the robbery, only stating he had been in a clothing store.

The crime has caused concern in the Melrose community and residents hope it doesn’t signal the return of violent crimes that have plagued the district during the past two years. The LAPD has deployed extra officers and resources such as the Mounted Unit to prevent crime and maintain public safety.

Orna Amzaleg, co-owner of the shoe and apparel store Sportie L.A., said officers on horseback had been on Melrose Avenue earlier in the day before the robbery and shooting, which occurred on the block west of her store. Amzaleg added that there has recently been a lot officers on foot and in vehicles in the area. In late June, LAPD Chief Michel Moore joined a video conference with the community organization Melrose Action and promised to keep a high police profile in the area during summer.

“I have seen it getting better. This is the first thing in a while,” Amzaleg said. “They need more security here, they need more police here, they have to be here because people continue to think they can get away with things.”

Peter Nichols, co-founder of Melrose Action Neighborhood Watch, said he believes the public safety situation is improving on Melrose Avenue and the recent robbery is an anomaly. However, he added that it illustrates the danger that can be present.

“It could have been way worse. The seriousness of it is immense,” Nichols added. “This is happening everywhere. I can’t believe people are still wearing expensive jewelry here. It’s crazy.”

Nichols said Melrose Action is creating a campaign with signage warning about the potential for being robbed for jewelry, and said he will be working with merchants in the area to post the signs.

“We want to be proactive and let the community know, don’t wear your high-value jewelry here,” he said.

The LAPD also re-issued a bulletin warning the public about follow-home robberies. It cautions people to be aware of their surroundings, to not display expensive jewelry, purses and handbags, and to call 911 if they witness a crime or become a victim.

Anyone with information about the robbery and shooting is urged to call the LAPD’s Robbery-Homicide Division at (213)486-6840. During weekends and off-hours, call the LAPD’s hotline at (877)LAPD247.