Columbia police are investigating three overnight robberies.
The first happened around 2 a.m. near Anthony and William Streets. A female victim reported that she was walking alone talking on the phone when a black man came from behind, hit her in the shoulder and pulled her purse before knocking her to the ground. The victim was not injured.
Then, according to police, 15 minutes later, two men were robbed at gunpoint at Florence and Donnelly. Police said the black suspect demanded money but the victims took off running.
And around 4 a.m., the third armed robbery happened. Police said two men held up the Eagle Stop on North Providence. One of the men implied he had a gun and demanded money. Police have not released how much money the suspects got, but they said the men left on foot.