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Fired gunshot. Photo By Tsvetoslav Hristov

10 Things To Know About The North Hollywood Bank Robbery Shootout

Twenty-six years ago, a massive shoutout took place on Laurel Canyon Boulevard, Los Angeles. What started out as an eight-minute bank robbery ended up as a bloodbath with two deaths and multiple casualties.

The North Hollywood bank heist shootout occurred on the morning of February 28^th, 1997. The target of the armed robbery was the Bank of America. What ensued after the break-in made national headlines for weeks.  

More than 150 police officers were involved in the gun exchange. The shootout left a state of disorientation in San Fernando Valley. It also led to major changes in the American police departments.

Here are ten things to know about the North Hollywood bank robbery shootout.

1. The Bank Robbery Ideation Began From An Unexpected Friendship

Larry Eugene Phillips, Jr. in 1993 after being arrested in Glendale, California. Photo By City of Glendale –

Larry Eugene Philips and Emil Matasareanu met in 1989 during a workout session at Gold Gym, Venice. The two quickly established a friendship after identifying common interests in weapons and firearms. They formed an alliance and began a partnership in committing crimes.

Philip and Matasareanu became well-seasoned burglars. By 1997, they had robbed two banks, had been charged with conspiracy to commit robbery, and were suspects in car robberies.

It was agreed that their next target would be the Bank of America at North Hollywood. The two spent months orchestrating the perfect heist. On February 28^th, at 9:16 am, the two robbers executed the plan.

Find out more about the most famous gangsters of all time by clicking here. 

2. The Burglars Of The North Hollywood Bank Robbery Shootout Were Spotted Before The Heist Began

The robbery was meant to be an eight-minute job. This was ample time for them to get the money and leave. After arriving at the bank, a disguised Philip and Matasareanu forced their way in and began shooting at the ceiling.

As luck would have it, a local police car was doing its patrol rounds when they spotted the two masked burglars heading for the bank.  Officer Loren Farrell then informed his colleagues at the Los Angeles Police Department (L.A.P.D) of a possible bank robbery in progress.

3. The Police Strategically Positioned Themselves As The Robbery Was Ongoing

Police officers in formation. Photo By LOGAN WEAVER –

The burglars targeted to get away with 750,000 USD. The vault had less than half that money. Philip and Matasareanu were unaware that the cash would not be as much as they expected due to a change in delivery schedules.

As the robbery was ongoing in the bank, the police arrived in several patrol vehicles. Both Philip and Matasareanu had no clue what was going on outside the building. The officers made their formations and waited for exist of either of the burglars. 

Learn about the 10 most famous bank robberies in America here. 

4. The North Hollywood Bank Robbery Shoutout Was Captured In Real Time

Map of the area around the Bank of America and events during the shootout. Photo By Killioughtta –

Police officers swarm the building by the time Philip and Matasareanu were exiting the bank. The detective units, L.A.P.D, and North Hollywood division patrol positioned themselves strategically, ready to fire.

At 9:24 am, a riddle of bullets was fired by Philip after he spotted a parked police vehicle 60 meters from the building. This marked the beginning of forty-four minutes of endless shooting all caught live.

5. Philip And Matasareanu Were Heavily Medicated During The North Hollywood Bank Robbery Shootout

According to the toxicology report, both men had traces of sedatives in their blood samples. That explained how they managed to hold themselves together during the ferocious 44-minute shootout.

The forensic lab also identified anti-seizure medication in Matasareanu blood and phenylpropanolamine and ephedrine in Philip’s blood. They had both consumed phenobarb, a drug used to control anxiety.

6. The Gang Of Two Carried Several Illegally Modified Automatic Firearms

Norinco type 56S rifle. Photo By Pashtunwarrior –

As part of the heist, the two robbers had equipped themselves with proper firearms. These were not your average guns and rifles. They were a group of illegally modified automatic weapons, ones that law enforcement was yet to get their hands on.

 On top of their handguns, the burglars had Type 56 S rifles, a fully automated AR-15, Bushmaster XM15 Dissipator, and an HK -91. The shootout saw hundreds of rounds of ammunition fired between the robbers and law enforcement.

Interested in bank robberies, read this article on the 10 most famous bank robberies of all time.

7. Both Robbers Were Shot Multiple Times Before They Attempted Escape

Philip and Matasareanu knew the robbery was high profile. They were armed with weapons and bulletproof vests since they anticipated an attack.

Philip’s body amor weighed approximately 18 kilos. Matasareanu on the other hand wore a bulletproof vest and ballistic plate.  

After opening fire on the police, Philip had a long exchange of bullets with the police officers. He was first shot when he was taking cover behind the vehicles parked on the Northern end of the bank. He then received a second bullet to his wrist before re-arming himself with a rifle.  

As Matasareanu was making his way to the get-away car, he was shot four times (twice on the foot, his eye socket, and on his arm). Despite his injuries, he got into the vehicle and drove off.

8. Philip Pulled The Trigger On Himself During The North Hollywood Bank Robbery Shootout

Matasareanu managed to get their vehicle from the parking lot onto the street. Police were still raining bullets on Philip who was outside the vehicle. He continued firing at the police using a semi-truck on Archwood street as his shield.

Philip stuttered when his rifle jammed. The cops saw this window of opportunity and shot his right hand. This was his 10^th gunshot wound.

Philip was badly injured. He had no chance of making a successful escape. He got hold of his Beretta 92FS Pistol and shot himself under the chin.

9. Eight Civilians Were Injured During The North Hollywood Bank Robbery Shootout

The fierce shootout led to multiple injuries and damage to property. By the time residents of San Fernando Valley were asked to evacuate the area, eight civilians had been wounded. Twelve police officers were injured in the crossfire.

Matasareanu was not so lucky either. He had been shot 29 times before finally surrendering. The shootout stopped at 10:01 but the paramedics arrived around 11:00 am. Unfortunately, Matasareanu had succumbed to his wounds.

10. The North Hollywood Bank Robbery Shootout Lead To An Ammunition Upgrade In The Police Department

The badge of a police officer of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). Photo By FOX 52 –

The North Hollywood shootout was a rude awakening for law enforcement in Los Angeles and all of America. The powerful arsenal of weapons that Philip and Matasareanu had at their disposal surpassed any of those the police officers were equipped with.

The shotguns from the L.A.P.D could only fire so far. The other guns weren’t strong enough to penetrate the burglars’ body armor.

In September 1997, the L.A.P.D was issued with M16 rifles and 45 ACP (model 4506 and 4566) semi-automatic pistols. Their vehicles were fitted with AR-15s and bullet-resistant doors.

The officers involved in the shootout were recognized for their bravery. They were granted the Medal of Valor, the highest medal given by the L.A.D.P.

The 303,305 USD stolen from the bank was blown up to ashes after its IBNS (intelligent banknote neutralization system) exploded. Even if both burglars were to survive, they would have never gotten to a chance to spend the cash!  

Philip and Matasareanu’s statues and their get-away car are exhibited at the Los Angeles Police Museum, Highland Park.

Read about the 2016 shooting in Florida, U.S.A on the Discover Walk Website.