13 WTHR - Indianapolis News |Teen arrested in duct-tape home invasion

Teen arrested in duct-tape home invasion

Steve Jefferson/Eyewitness News

Nov. 19th update: Police arrested 18-year-old Robert Coleman of Indianapolis in connection with this crime. He was arrested at Arlington High School and charged with robbery, burglary, confinement and pointing a firearm. Police say they got a tip generated by surveillance video aired by local media.

Officers say Coleman duct-taped members of the family and even pistol-whipped one of them. The victims say he warmed up the milk to keep a baby quiet during the crime.

A second suspect is still being sought.

Original story:

Indianapolis - Robbers forced their way into a home Friday morning and used duct tape to restrain family members while they searched the home. It happened near 21st and Arlington on the city's east side, across the street from Raytheon.

Video surveillance at Raytheon captured the men knocking on the door of the home. Police say two men knocked on the door at around 8:00 am. One of them asked if the resident had jumper cables. They left after being told no.

The men came back and knocked again, this time covering their faces. One of them carried a shotgun and the other carried a handgun.

"He comes out with this big gun and goes, 'Shh, shhh; say anything and you are dead, say anything and you are dead,'" said Ronnell, victim.

The suspects used duct tape to tie up Ronnell, his 15-year-old son and their roommate Morgan, who they beat until he passed out.

"Shortly after I was tied up I was pistol whipped and hit in the head a couple of times," said Morgan, who had a black eye and other facial injuries.

Suspects heated up baby bottle

When Ronnell's one-month-old son started crying, he pleaded with the robbers.

"I said there is a bottle on the table. Can you put it in the microwave for ten seconds. I would greatly appreciate because the baby can't have cold milk. He said, 'Yes, I got you dawg, I got you dawg,'" said Ronnell.

"The suspect took the duct tape off the 15-year-old so he could tend to the baby," said Lt. Jeff Duhamell, IMPD.

The gunmen left with two cell phones, which were later recovered, a television, Playstation and a small amount of cash. Ronnell called for help.

When the dispatcher asked how the suspects made their getaway, Ronnell responded, "I don't know because I didn't follow out the door. See, they tied us up with duct tape and they left my oldest son untied so he could watch my baby son because my baby son was crying."

"They were looking for something that wasn't here. I only had $150 in cash and he had only $50 something," said Ronnell.

In the video surveillance footage, one of the suspects unknowingly turns toward the camera. Detectives hope it's the break in the case they need. The victims hope so too.

After guns, duct tape and threats, they are grateful to be alive.

"I pretty much begged for my life for him not to kill us," said Ronnell.

The suspects were both armed. They are described as black men in their early twenties wearing dark clothing and red bandanas.

Call Crime Stoppers at 262-TIPS with information related to this case.