Gun Battle, Crash Leave 2 Dead, 3 Injured

Two gang members died and three others were left injured after a car crash and gun battle with two people who came to the aid of a motorist the five youths had robbed in Sylmar, Los Angeles police said.

One of the youths died of a gunshot wound, the other of injuries sustained in the crash. Their names were not released. Three others were treated at local hospitals and turned over to authorities.

Police identified one of the youths as Barba James, 18, of San Fernando. He was being held at Van Nuys Jail on suspicion of murder because a death occurred during a crime, said Sgt. Jay Frey.

The incident began about 11 a.m. when five youths surrounded a man as he entered his jeep in the parking lot of a convenience store at Roxford Street and Glenoaks Boulevard. Brandishing handguns, they took his car keys and wallet, then climbed into the vehicle, Frey said.

The victim ran into the store and alerted a merchant, who had begun carrying a handgun after a recent robbery, Frey said. The merchant ran outside and fired twice when he saw a gang member point a gun his way. The gang members apparently also fired, but they did not hit anyone, police said.

An eyewitness followed the stolen vehicle, drawing fire, Frey said. About a mile away, the jeep crashed into a parked car on Borden Avenue near Herron Street, police said. The witness was not harmed.