Ramsey County authorities are searching for three men who allegedly forced their way into a home in White Bear Township, armed with a handgun, on Saturday evening.

The homeowner was inside the house and one shot was fired, but no one was injured, according to Randy Gustafson, public information officer for the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office.

The men entered the home on the 5200 block of Elk Street about 6 p.m. and stole an undisclosed item, but ended up leaving it in the driveway before fleeing in a car, Gustafson said.

Authorities believe this was “not a random event,” Gustafson said, and that the suspects were aware of the item they attempted to steal. The investigation is ongoing, but authorities do not believe there is a threat to the general safety of the neighborhood.

KIM PALMER