6 Armed Men Fail in Attempt to Rob Market
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Six armed men dressed in black ninja-style outfits took over an Arleta supermarket early Thursday and chased employees and customers down aisles before abandoning their attempt to rob the business, Los Angeles police said.
The men, armed with semi-automatic handguns and shotguns, entered Smith’s Food and Drug at 9710 Woodman Ave., shortly after midnight, Detective Ray Broker said. About 10 employees and customers fled down store aisles when they sighted the gunmen, who chased them.
“The suspects’ attention was diverted by the individuals going in all different directions,” Broker said.
One of the men struck a customer with his gun, causing a minor injury, Broker said. Several of the gunmen demanded to be taken to the safe, but employees were unable to open it.
The gunmen subsequently fled the business through a back door, Broker said. At about the same time, several store customers ran out the front door and flagged down a police car.
Unaware that the gunmen had fled, a SWAT team was called to the scene, Broker said. No food or money was taken.
Store officials declined comment.
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