Detroit police seek man accused of holding family hostage, setting house on fire

Julian Coleman

DETROIT – Detroit police are looking for a man who is accused of holding a family hostage Monday night before setting their house on fire in the 700 block of Conner Street. 

Police said two men were armed and barricaded inside the home. They robbed an adult inside the home while holding another adult at gunpoint. Ultimately, the men set the house on fire before fleeing. Two small children were left inside the home. The men are accused of leaving the children to die in the fire. 

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Both children are being treated at Children’s Hospital for smoke inhalation.

Story: Children rescued from house fire after family held hostage in Detroit

Police arrested one suspect but are searching for a second: 31-year-old Julian Coleman. He is described as a black man standing about 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing about 160 pounds. He has black hair, brown eyes and an "Eagle" tattoo on his upper right arm. He is considered armed and dangerous, police said. 

Police released the attached photos of Coleman on Friday. 

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact Detroit police at 313-596-2940. 

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