Masked suspects armed with AR-15-style rifle wanted after brazen Center City robbery

PHILADELPHIA - Police are searching for three armed suspects following a violent Center City robbery that unfolded in just minutes this weekend as terrifying video circulates online.

What we know:

Police say three suspects ambushed three victims on the 1500 block of Locust Street around 3 a.m. Sunday, ordering them to the ground and demanding their belongings.

The robbery escalated into violence when one of the victims was struck in the face with a handgun during a brief altercation with the suspects. The other two victims complied with the attackers' demands.

All three suspects were masked. Police say two were armed with handguns, while a third was carrying what appeared to be an AR-15-style rifle. They fled the scene in a stolen vehicle, which was recovered by police early Monday morning in Philadelphia.

Cellphones, watches, car keys, wallets, driver's licenses and an undisclosed amount of cash were stolen from the victims. One victim was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Terrifying video

Dig deeper:

Video posted online shows one of the victims on his knees while being held at gunpoint by two of the suspects, one with a hand gun and one with the suspected AR-15-style rifle.

Police say that the video is being used as part of their investigation.

What we don't know:

The identities of the three armed suspects, along with a fourth person driving the getaway vehicle, are still unknown.

Police say this robbery does not appear to follow any pattern of similar incidents. However, it is unclear if the victims were targeted by the suspects.

What you can do:

If you were in the area, have dashcam or security footage, or know anything about this crime, please contact the Philadelphia Police Department tip line.