A 425-pound gang member is facing kidnapping charges in Orange County.
Victor Joseph Espinoza has been charged with felony false imprisonment for allegedly grabbing a 10-year-old boy on a bike trail near Delhi Park in Santa Ana.
Police said that the 55-year-old gang member tried to grab the boy on Sunday as the victim was walking with his 19-year old female cousin on the way to soccer practice. The report also disclosed that Espinoza asked the victim if he wanted to see his gang tattoo. He then claimed his gang and proceeded to grab and smell the boy’s arm.
The victim was able to break free and ran to the soccer field to quickly tell his coach.
Police said that his coach went back to the trail to find Espinoza and tackled him. Espinoza escaped but was later found by a police helicopter and apprehended.
Espinoza’s charges have been raised since the crime was associated with street gang activity. Prosecutors said that he faces up to 15 years in prison since he has a prior conviction relating to street terrorism in 2007.
He is currently held on $250,000 bail.
