Royal City children held at gunpoint

Suspects stole family savings

ROYAL CITY - Three suspects are wanted by the Royal City Police Department for holding a family at gunpoint and robbing them Thursday morning.

Three unidentified male suspects armed with a firearm and a hammer described as Hispanic and in their late teens to early twenties reportedly entered a residence in the 100 block of Catalpa Avenue Northeast in Royal City, Royal City Police Chief Darin Smith said. There were three adults and two children in the residence.

"The first adult was confronted in the hallway by the three suspects and forced into a bedroom where the other two adults were sleeping," he stated. "All three adults were locked in the bedroom."

The two children ages six and nine were allegedly held at gunpoint, Smith stated. The suspects reportedly claimed they would take the children if anyone screamed.

"The suspects located the family savings and fled the area," he advised. "After the suspects fled, the children released the adults from the bedroom. No one was injured in the robbery."

The three suspects were wearing dark clothing with bandanas over their faces, Smith stated. A vehicle description was not provided.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police at 509-346-2212 or 509-762-1160.