Patrons wrestle shotgun from suspect after robbery at St. James restaurant: Winnipeg police

An armed robbery in St. James Tuesday night has left the Winnipeg police Major Crimes Unit searching for three suspects.

The robbery happened outside of Gizzys Restaurant & Bar on Ness Avenue around 8:30 p.m. Police said the three suspects robbed a patron of his cell phone while outside the restaurant.

The suspects then entered the restaurant. One of the three was armed with a shotgun and ordered everyone to drop to the ground. The armed suspect fired one shot into the ceiling.

PHOTO GALLERY: The scene at Gizzys Restaurant after patrons wrestled with armed suspects Tuesday night

“I don’t know if his intention was to rob people that were there, to rob the business or to just randomly scare people,” Const. Tammy Skrabek said. “We’re not sure yet.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "I don't know if his intention was to rob people that were there, to rob the business or to just randomly scare people," Const. Tammy Skrabek said. "We're not sure yet."

WATCH: Winnipeg police share the details of the suspected armed robbery

1:13 Winnipeg Police describe the incident at Gizzys Restaurant

Patrons and staff of the restaurant managed to overpower the suspects and take the shotgun away. One of the patrons was injured in the scuffle and taken to hospital with minor injuries and later released.Skarbek said they never suggest anyone take action against an armed suspect.

“That’s not something we would suggest….it was loaded, we wouldn’t suggest getting involved in that type of confrontation,” Skrabek said.

“If something like this does occur in your business, simply comply.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "If something like this does occur in your business, simply comply."

Police had no suspect description to release but all three were believed to be men.

Anyone with information is asked to contact investigators at 1-204-986-6219 or Crime Stoppers at 1-204-786-8477.