Four suspects dressed in all-black with their faces covered used firearms to threaten staff and steal money from Dakota Tipi Gaming Centre overnight, Portage la Prairie RCMP says in a release.

Police officers were called to the reported armed robbery at 1:43 a.m. Tuesday morning. The suspects gathered money and fled the scene before police could be notified.

“Nobody was physically harmed in the matter,” says RCMP Const. Sean O'Keefe. “But the suspects were brandishing their firearms and threatening to use them on the staff and patrons in their robbery.”

Investigators are asking for the assistance of the community in identifying the suspects involved with this crime. Police say all four suspects are believed to be males. They were wearing black clothing, standing between 5-foot-7 and 6-foot-1 tall, with slender or medium builds. Mounties say three of the suspects were wearing balaclavas over their faces. One had a bandana across the lower portion of his face.

“We believe these suspects are known to somebody, being local to Portage la Prairie, Dakota Tipi First Nation or Long Plain First Nation,” O'Keefe adds.

If you know the identity of those involved, please contact the Portage la Prairie RCMP at 204-857-4445, or your local police detachment. Anonymous tips can be made through Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) and www.manitobacrimestoppers.com. Tips leading to the arrest and prosecution of those involved could receive a substantial cash award.