A resident and 3 friends, all in their 20s, were in the living room of an apartment in the 200 block of South 50th Street when 3 masked men forced their way inside.
It happened at 4:30 a.m.
The men were armed with guns. They ordered the victims, 3 women and one man, to get down on the floor.
"They forcefully grabbed their hands, tied them up, one handcuffed, tied with a belt, duct tape," said Philadelphia Police Captain George Fuchs. "Obviously the victims are very traumatized."
Police say one suspect pointed a gun at the victims while the other two ransacked the home, looking for things to take.
Among the items taken: cash, sneakers, iPads, car keys, and ultimately the gray Nissan Altima rental car with Nevada plates the keys belong to.
"According to the victims, they made themselves at home, possibly for an hour and a half, two hours, while the victims were lying on the floor," said Fuchs.
Finally police say the men tried and failed to get a flat screen TV off the wall, put two of the women in a closet and fled.
The male victim then was able to call the police just after 5:15 a.m. Neighbors say this is out of character for the block.
"We haven't had anything bizarre take place," said Earl Hooks. "Most bizarre thing I've ever heard of."
Police are still searching for the stolen 2010 Nissan Altima with Nevada tags and the three suspects. Anyone with information is asked to call Philadelphia Police or 911.
