Merchant Kills 2 Alleged Extortionists

A Glendale merchant defied a group of men trying to extort money from him at gunpoint, returning their fire and killing two of the assailants, police said Wednesday.

The shootout late Tuesday is a tragic example of the growing trend toward business extortion among Glendale’s burgeoning immigrant population, officials said.

Authorities asked that the merchant’s identity not be published, citing fears for his safety.

Police arrested five men in the case before midnight Tuesday outside the Mirage Clothing and Shoe Store on Glendale Avenue.

The owner was inside his business about 11:30 p.m. when the men arrived. After a dispute, one of the suspects pulled a gun and fired two shots, wounding a young boy.

The merchant then grabbed a gun and fired. One of the dead men was identified as Artur Atayan, 27, of North Hollywood. The second dead man had not yet been identified.

Police released the names of four other suspects: Gagik Kazarian, 42, of Glendale; Khoren Broutian, 32, of Hollywood; Hovik Fiterz, 36, of North Hollywood, and Omar Casas, 18, of Granada Hills.

A fifth suspect, Mger Tagvoryan, 23, was later arrested at his North Hollywood home, police said.

The wounded boy was reported in good condition at a hospital.