Two men were shot in the hand during an armed robbery on East Boyd Drive early Tuesday morning.

Four men were walking in the 700 block of East Boyd Drive when they were approached by a black male wielding a handgun, said Baton Rouge Police Department spokesman Cpl. Tommy Stubbs.

Two of the men attacked the gunman, and in the ensuing fight, the gun discharged, striking both men in their right hands.

The suspect fled on foot and was not apprehended.

BRPD is investigating the shooting.

In the past few years, the East Boyd Drive has developed a poor reputation stemming from a large number of pedestrian hit-and-runs, the street’s poor lighting and lack of sidewalks.

To increase pedestrian safety, the city began installing sidewalks in October.

But on any given night, pedestrian traffic flows up and down East Boyd Drive, which is home to two popular bars — Shady’s Bar and Bogie’s Bar — and a number of apartment complexes.

Many students walk to and from Tigerland by way of East Boyd Drive, adding to the traffic.