Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Authorities say a 14-year-old planned and helped carry out the armed abduction of a 7-year-old boy, kidnapping him in front of his father and later demanding a $100,000 ransom from the child’s mother. The teen, identified as Barry Alan Coleman, is being charged as an adult under Wisconsin law due to the severity of the offenses. Two adult accomplices, Corey Williams, 25, and Fabian Johnson, 38, are also facing charges in connection with the violent incident.
The kidnapping sparked an Amber Alert, an overnight search, and a major law-enforcement effort that ended with the safe recovery of the child and the arrest of those involved.
How the kidnapping unfolded
According to Milwaukee Police, officers were dispatched around 7 p.m. on July 11 to a residence on the 6200 block of West Hustis Street after receiving reports that a young boy had been abducted at gunpoint.
Investigators say the father and son had just returned from the park when a white Jeep Renegade pulled into the driveway, blocking the father’s car. A masked gunman dressed in black — later identified as Johnson — stepped out, pointing a weapon.
The father ran inside the home as his son tried to flee into the backyard.
From the probable cause affidavit:
“He heard his son continually screaming ‘Daddy!’ and when he looked outside he observed the black male get back into the car and the car drove off with his son inside.”
Security video reviewed by police allegedly shows Coleman chasing after the 7-year-old, grabbing him, and carrying him back to the Jeep before Williams drove the vehicle away.
What police uncovered
After officers traced the Jeep to its registered owner, they learned her boyfriend, Williams, had the vehicle that day. Police located him at a residence on North 39th Street, where they also found the kidnapped boy unharmed.
During an interview, Williams admitted his role and provided a detailed account of how the plan evolved. He told detectives that Coleman contacted him weeks earlier about robbing the child’s mother, who was believed to keep large amounts of cash because of her alleged drug activity. When she wasn’t home the night of the attempted robbery, the group allegedly shifted their focus to the boy’s father, whom Coleman claimed also had money.
Police say this claim proved false.
Inside the suspects’ planning
Williams told investigators the group waited outside the mother’s apartment before deciding to target the father instead. Once at the home, they observed the father and child leave for the park and return.
Williams parked at the home, and Coleman and Johnson exited. When the father ran inside, Coleman grabbed the boy.
Police say that inside the Jeep, Williams argued with the others, insisting the abduction wasn’t part of their plan. According to him, Coleman then revealed a new intention: demand ransom from the boy’s mother.
Johnson allegedly contacted the child’s mother and demanded $100,000 in cash plus jewelry in exchange for her son.
Debate over harming the child
The affidavit reveals the situation could have turned far more dangerous. Williams claimed Coleman and Johnson debated injuring the child to prove they were serious about the ransom. Williams said he strongly objected, believing his opposition prevented the suspects from harming the 7-year-old.
The child later told detectives he spent the night watching cartoons, playing with toys, and eating McDonald’s. Authorities issued an Amber Alert as the mother attempted to gather the demanded money.
A review of Williams’ phone allegedly showed 40 calls made to the mother, each dialed using *67 to block the number.
Items seized and additional charges
When officers searched Coleman’s residence, they reportedly found a 9 mm handgun, which he is legally barred from possessing due to a prior conviction involving heroin distribution.
Coleman was initially charged as a juvenile, but on November 25, a judge approved prosecutors’ request to waive juvenile jurisdiction, allowing him to be charged as an adult. Wisconsin law permits this when defendants aged 14 and older are accused of crimes such as kidnapping, murder, sexual assault, or taking hostages.
He is being held on a $100,000 cash bond, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for December 8.
Larger concerns for the community
Cases involving juveniles orchestrating violent, complex crimes highlight ongoing concerns for law enforcement and families in Milwaukee. Police say quick reporting by the father and cooperation with investigators played a major role in recovering the child safely.
Officials continue to encourage parents to report suspicious behavior, unusual vehicles, or any incidents that appear threatening to children or vulnerable individuals.
What happens next
All three suspects will face separate court proceedings as prosecutors move forward with charges related to kidnapping, weapons violations, and ransom demands. Additional charges may be considered as the investigation continues.
If you have thoughts on incidents like this or concerns about safety in your neighborhood, share your experiences in the comments below.
