Artashes Barsegyan dies in fatal Santa Monica robbery attempt

Artashes Barsegyan dies in fatal Santa Monica robbery attempt

Fatal Santa Monica robbery attempt death of Artashes Barsegyan – Obituary

Artashes Barsegyan, 41, lost his life during a failed robbery on the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica. Authorities confirmed Friday that Barsegyan died after being shot during an attempted assault and robbery at a local business on Sunday night.

Santa Monica police reported that officers were dispatched around 9:30 p.m. to a business on the 1300 block of the promenade after receiving reports of an assault involving a weapon. The incident took place during a private after-hours transaction between the business owner and someone he knew, later identified as Karen Melikyan.

Police allege that Barsegyan entered the premises alongside Melikyan and sprayed the business owner with a chemical irritant as part of a coordinated robbery. However, the business owner, who legally possessed a firearm, responded by shooting Barsegyan.

Emergency responders transported Barsegyan to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Authorities arrested Melikyan, 41, at the scene. He is facing charges including homicide, armed robbery, and conspiracy, and is currently being held on $2 million bail. Police said he cooperated with the investigation and was not physically harmed during the incident. His next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday at the LAX Superior Courthouse in Westchester.

Investigators believe the robbery attempt was an isolated event, and there is no ongoing danger to the public. The Santa Monica Police Department has urged anyone with further information to reach out to Detectives Martin Jauregui or Chad Goodwin.