MOUNT CARMEL — Borough police have arrested five men in connection with three armed robberies Tuesday night in Shamokin, Mount Carmel Township and Mount Carmel.

The suspects were identified as Engel Vargas, Marcos Gurrero, Yoel Luciano, Jose Acosta and Jonathan Nolasco, all of the Allentown area.

Police said the men confronted their victims and took personal property. A 16-year-old victim said she and a friend were walking near the Turkey Hill Market in Mount Cramel when they were confronted by four of the suspects. They asked for her cell phone, then took it along with her purse. Police said the men allegedly pointed a handgun at their victims during the robberies.

The suspects were taken into custody by the Schuylkill Haven police at a convenience store in that Schuylkill County borough.

The Mount Carmel police, who are handling the investigation, said a handgun was recovered from the vehicle was used in the crimes.

The suspects were arraigned Wednesday morning before District Judge Michael Mychak on charges of robbery, aggravated assault, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, simple assault, criminal conspiracy, reckless endangerment, theft, possession of instruments of crime, receiving stolen property and firearmes violation.