OCEANSIDE, Calif. -- Three suspected gang members were in custody Friday on suspicion of robbing a taco shop in Oceanside, police said.

Police officers on patrol spotted a robbery in progress at Armando's Taco Shop in the 1400 block of Mission Avenue around 8:45 p.m. Thursday, said Oceanside police Officer Kim Rainwater.

The men, all from Oceanside and 16 to 18 years old, allegedly threatened taco shop employees with large sticks and took cash from a tip jar, Rainwater said.

The officers confronted the suspects and a foot chase ensued until they were caught nearby, she said.