Three men were arrested early Monday in Pasco for allegedly beating up a store clerk while trying to steal some beer.

The men entered the 7-Eleven at 14th and Sylvester streets about 2 a.m. One of them tried to distract the clerk while the others allegedly grabbed a six-pack of beer and left the store.

The clerk went outside to confront the men and was pushed to the ground and repeatedly kicked, said Pasco police Capt. Jim Raymond. The suspects then drove away in a white Kia Optima.

They were stopped a short time later and arrested on suspicion of robbery. Arrested were: Alejandro Ramos-Ramirez, 25, of Kennewick; Salvador Ramos, 22, of Kennewick; and Emilio Garza, 21, of Pasco. They were taken to the Franklin County jail.

The clerk suffered minor injuries.