2 Men Shot And Killed By Security Guard At Strip Club

CANOGA PARK (CBSLA.com) —  Two men were shot and killed in a shootout at a strip club in Canoga Park early Saturday morning.

According to police, both the security guard and a DJ were wounded at the Xposed Gentleman's Club on Canoga Avenue. Their injuries were not life-threatening.

Police say two men left the club, then came back at 4:20 a.m. When they were approached by a security guard, both men -- wearing backpacks -- pulled out guns and started shooting.

"I'm relieved he's OK," said Charlies White, Jr, a security manager at the club. "When you feel like your father's in trouble that's one of the worst feelings in the world."

According to witnesses, a fight broke out near the club's stage just before the gunfight.

The club came under scrutiny in 2013 after police received numerous complaints about violence, crime and prostitution.

CBS2's Jeff Nguyen was given security video of the incident. It is video Only On 9.

Brad Barnes, owner of Xposed ,said one of the two men in backpacks got into a confrontation with the general manager. One of them allegedly pointed the gun at the manager and a wrestling match ensued.

"The guy put a gun to his head, grabbed that gun, took that gun out," said Barnes.

He says a shot went off during the struggle for gun and that's when the security guard stepped in.

"My security guard shot both of them and killed them," Barnes said.

Officials said guns were found next to both of the deceased's bodies.

"We know that they are hardcore parolees," said LAPD Sgt. ManuelDelgado, "gang members with gang ties."

Barnes stood by his club's rep and said this wasn't a strip club problem, it was a bar problem.

"There are people in this country that shouldn't be out on the streets," he said.

Barnes is also proud of his security guard.

"I think he did a great job. I'm going to give him a bonus for taking out the bad guys."