MacKenzie Elmer

melmer@dmreg.com

Ames police are looking for four armed men who raided an unlocked apartment in Iowa State University's Campustown.

Victims told police that the men, armed with a rifle and handguns, walked into an apartment in the 300 block of Welch Avenue around 8:45 p.m. Wednesday, according to a news release from the Ames Police Department.

They ordered two residents and their two friends to the ground at gunpoint and forced their way into locked bedrooms, stealing gaming systems, phones and a wallet, according to Commander Jason Tuttle.

No arrests have been made, and nobody was injured in the incident. Tuttle said it appears that the robbers specifically targeted this apartment, though the victims didn't know the perpetrators.

Victims described the suspects as black men ages 17 to 21 years old and between 5-foot-8 and 6 feet tall. One man was wearing a red bandanna over his face. The others were dressed in hooded sweatshirts and ski masks, according to the report.

Tuttle said Ames police are exploring whether this robbery is connected to one committed April 21 at a university-owned off -campus apartment. Iowa State University said five men, wielding an assault rifle, kicked in the door of the 4709 Steinbeck St. apartment building and stole cash and a cellphone.

Anyone with information should contact the Ames police at (515) 239-5133 or the anonymous tip line at (515) 239-5533. Information can also be reported to Story County Crime Stoppers online by calling (515) 382-7577 or texting “STORYCOUNTY” with your tip to 847411 (tip411).