Two suspected armed robbers were killed and a security guard was injured in a shooting early Saturday at a Canoga Park strip club, Los Angeles police said.

The shooting occurred about 4:20 a.m. when the two suspects entered Xposed Gentlemen’s Club in the 8200 block of Canoga Avenue, LAPD Officer Mike Lopez said.

The two unidentified suspects, who police believe were gang members, died at the scene, he said.

The security guard was also struck by gunfire and taken to a local hospital, Lopez said. His condition was unknown.


The investigation is ongoing, Lopez said.

It was unknown how many people were in the club when the shooting occurred. Security guard Charles White Jr., who was off duty but whose father is also a security guard at the club and was inside at the times of the shooting, said that his father was unhurt. He said all the security guards at the club are armed.

“I’m very thankful he’s OK,” White said of his father. “It’s unfortunate for the other [guard]. But we understand the risks that come with the job …. It gives me a little more respect for the police. Nobody knows what they have to go through.”

The strip club has been a source of controversy since it opened in 2001.


Residents have complained about its sultry billboards featuring scantily clad women. The LAPD tried -- and failed -- to shut it down, citing complaints of violence, prostitution and drug use. There was a shooting in the club’s parking lot in 2013.

Times staff writer Marc Olson contributed to this report.

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UPDATES:

10:50 a.m.: This story was updated with new information.


6:35 a.m.: This article was updated with additional details.

This article was originally published at 5:20 a.m.