Early morning armed robbery at Citadel Mall

Colorado Springs police are investigating an early morning robbery Thursday at the Citadel Mall. Police are investigating how three gunmen got in the mall and then sledge-hammeredfour ATMS inside.

According to an employee, three armed gunman entered themall around 4 a.m. Police say that once the suspects were inside, they tied up two employees — a security guard and a custodian. None of the employees sustained serious injuries, according to police. A female custodian was in another area of the mall at the time and was not tied up. The female custodian called police to report the robbery.

Police say that the robbers broke into some ATM machines with a sledgehammer. It is unknown whether any money was actually in the ATM machines.

“Whether or not any money was actually in the machines are something our investigators are looking at because many times malls empty that in the morning to prevent any robberies,” said Barbara Miller with the Colorado Springs Police.

At this time, there is no suspect information available but investigators are asking for the public’s assistance should they know or suspect anyone.

The mall was closed for several hours Thursday morning for investigation but opened up for the rest of the day.

Thomas Key wanted to walk the mall this morning for exercise but was disappointed to find it was closed for the investigation. He said he came to the mall to walk because he thought it was a safe place, now he is not so sure.

“It’s terrible, the way things are happening nowadays. It’s been unbelievable. You can’t even come to the mall and walk…it’s just trouble,” said Key.

Investigators want the public to call Crime Stoppers at 634-STOP with any information on the robbery.