Los Angeles: On Wednesday, December 18, 2002, 12:30 a.m., North Hollywood Area patrol officers responded to a radio call of a robbery in progress at 12718 Sherman way in North Hollywood. Upon arrival, the officers discovered a male who was suffering from a gunshot wound, lying on the ground in the parking lot, outside of Combat Industries. Combat Industries is a local head Shop; a shop specializing in articles of interest to drug users.

The investigation revealed that Brij Mehra, a 27 year-old resident of Santa Monica, had been involved in a domestic dispute with his girlfriend in Santa Monica. During the dispute, Mehra took his girlfriend’s handgun. Mehra then traveled to North Hollywood and entered Combat Industries, produced a handgun and demanded money from the three witnesses inside the location. As the suspect walked to the rear of the business, the witnesses saw the opportunity to escape, and fled on foot. At this point multiple shots were fired and Mehra was critically wounded. A shotgun which was stored inside the business by the owner, was used by one of the three witnesses to shoot the suspect.

Mehra was transported to a local hospital where he died as a result of his injuries.

Witnesses were questioned and were released. The case will be presented to the District Attorney’s Office in Van Nuys for final disposition.

Anyone with information that may assist in this investigation is urged to call North Hollywood Detectives at 818-623-4075. On weekends and during off-hours, please call the 24-hour toll free number at Detective Information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL, 1-877-529-3855.

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.