3 men at large after robbing Mayfair grocery store, police say

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- An investigation is underway after a grocery store in Philadelphia's Mayfair section was robbed by three men armed with guns Saturday night, police said.

The incident happened around 9:10 p.m. at the Emporio Latino Grocery located in the 2800 block of Tyson Avenue, just 10 minutes after the store was scheduled to close.

According to police, three women-- a 37-year-old and two 42-year-olds -- were leaving the store through the back to close for the night, when three armed men approached them and forced them back inside. Speaking with reporters Saturday night, police initially said four gunmen had entered the store.

Investigators said one of the women was assaulted by the men and their phones were stolen along with an "undisclosed amount" of money.

Saturday night, police told CBS News Philadelphia the suspects forced the women to the ground before fleeing and described the undisclosed amount of money as a "considerable amount."

"There were no customers in the store as far as we know at this point, only the three employees," Philadelphia Police Inspector D F Pace said Saturday. "No one was physically injured during this incident and the thieves absconded with a considerable amount of money."

The three women later found their phones on the 2900 block of Princeton Street, police said.

According to police, the suspects were seen on surveillance video wearing masks and gloves before leaving the store in a silver sedan. Police did not immediately provide a photo of the suspects.

Police said no shots were fired during the incident.

The Northeast Detectives are investigating the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 215-686-3153 or submit an anonymous tip by calling or texting the PPD tipline at  215-686-TIPS (8477).