From a February, 1997 CNN article:

A blaze of automatic gunfire ripped through a crowded neighborhood after several heavily-armed gunmen dressed like commandos botched a bank robbery.

Two suspects were killed, and 15 people were injured, including 10 policemen. None of the injuries incurred during the hour-long shootout were "life threatening," Los Angeles Police Chief Willie Williams said.

Initially out-gunned, police responded to a scene in North Hollywood that resembled a combat zone. Bullets were flying from all directions into cars and buildings -- and bystanders, too.

More than 200 police were on hand for the siege, which lasted more than an hour. Armored personnel carriers and dozens of police cars, fire engines and ambulances were called to subdue the attackers and attend to the wounded.

Wearing body armor and carrying a trunk full of weapons, the robbers were ready for a fight. And that's exactly what they delivered, firing "multiple hundreds" of rounds, according to police.

Read more...

• A description of the events, a time-line, and a map of the area.
• Feb. 28, 1997: CNN: Botched L.A. bank heist turns into bloody shootout
• Sept. 22, 1997: CNN: LAPD gets M-16s