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Today in History: Intense Gun Battle Erupts in North Hollywood Bank Heist

2/28/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On February 28, 1997, the North Hollywood shootout erupted as bank robbers Larry Phillips Jr. and Emil Matasareanu engaged in a fierce gun battle with Los Angeles police. Armed with automatic weapons and body armor, the robbers fired nearly 2,000 rounds, injuring twelve officers and eight civilians before both were killed. This incident remains one of the most intense in U.S. police history.

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Story summary

On February 28, 1997, the North Hollywood shootout erupted as bank robbers Larry Phillips Jr. and Emil Matasareanu engaged in a fierce gun battle with Los Angeles police. Armed with automatic weapons and body armor, the robbers fired nearly 2,000 rounds, injuring twelve officers and eight civilians before both were killed. This incident remains one of the most intense in U.S. police history.