? Three masked gunmen held a Barnegat family hostage during a home invasion early Wednesday morning.

Police say the gunmen entered the home on Fifth Street just after midnight. Homeowner Yasmeya Mehmeti, 23, her father-in-law, a 16-year-old girl and two young children, ages 1 and 3, were inside the residence at the time. Police say one of the robbers fired a gun to keep everyone in control, but no one was hit with the bullet.

According to investigators, some of the individuals were tied up as the robbers ransacked the house. The homeowner was burned with a knife several times and questioned about drugs and money for approximately four hours. She eventually gave the robbers $200.

The gunmen later fled in the homeowner?s $75,000 Mercedes, which was spotted abandoned two blocks away. Police were alerted about the incident when the father-in-law managed to free himself and get help. Neighbors believe the house was targeted.

Anyone with information is asked to call an anonymous tip line at (609) 660-TIPS.

For an extended interview with police about the invasion, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.