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Detroit police capture unarmed robbery suspect who escaped custody on west side

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7 Action News cameras were rolling when Detroit police catch an escapee on the city’s west side.

Police said they were conducting a warrant sweep when they originally arrested 18 year-old Joe Coleman for a robbery warrant on Wednesday.

According to officers, Coleman was able to escape from the 6th Precinct before he was transported. 

"In this case he had on what's called flex handcuffs, they're behind his back, we're going to look into how he was able to break out of those handcuffs, it's not a very common thing,” said Commander Aric Tosqui with the Detroit Police Department.

Tosqui said the department will investigate how he was able to break free.

He said Michigan State Police helped DPD with the search, they did a grid search through the surrounding neighborhood.

Police said Coleman ran into the neighbor surrounding the precinct.  Hours later officers found him hiding in a backyard off Greenview Street.  7 Action News cameras were rolling when the suspect was taken back into custody.

Neighbors said they are relieved because the situation made them nervous.

"A little bit, I'm not going to lie, it's crazy, how do you get away from the police?” said resident, Kalin Smith.