South Brunswick police are searching for three man who broke into a home in town over the weekend.

Police says that the three men walked through the back door of an apartment in the Royal Oaks apartment complex off Route 1 just before 1 a.m. Saturday. The men were wearing all-black clothing and were wearing masks, according to police.

Authorities say that the family was targeted because the suspects knew that there was cash inside the home.

“It’s definite that they had some prior knowledge of either the residence itself or the individuals who reside in there,” says Detective Dennis Yuhasz.

Police say that the thieves pistol-whipped the three men who were inside the apartment at the time and demanded money. One of the victims apparently tried to fight back, and that’s when one of the suspects fired a gun.

“At some point a round was fired into the ground. Nobody was struck by the round, but there was evidence recovered,” Yuhasz says.

Police say that a woman and child were also in the apartment at the time. They were not hurt.

Anyone who may have any information about the crime is asked to contact South Brunswick police.