Photo: LATINO BLOTTER: 425-LB Victor Espinoza Attempted to Abduct Children in Calif. Park
A 425-pound man is being held on $100,000 bond after he allegedly tried to abduct a 10-year-old boy en route to soccer practice in Santa Ana, California with his 19-year-old cousin.
Victor Joseph Espinoza, a 55-year-old gang member with a long rap sheet, was caught by police after the boy ran to his soccer coach and told him a man grabbed him and “started smelling him”.
According to local news reports, the coach went to find the attacker. When the coach, who did not want to be identified, found Espinoza, he confronted him and attempted to restrain him until police could arrive.
The coach told KABC, “He goes, ‘Oh, I’m leaving, I’m leaving,’ and I said, ‘No, you’re not leaving, we’re going to wait for the cops, because you did something wrong to that little boy.’ He tried to leave and that’s when I tackled him down. I’m a parent, I worry about my kids, and I thought that I had to do something.”
Espinoza managed to get away, but was later found thanks to a police helicopter’s infrared footage.
The attempted abduction occurred in well-lit Delhi Park near a bike trail. Police also believe Espinoza tried to grab a young girl earlier that same evening.
Luckily, both the boy and girl were able to get away and tell adults.
Espinoza is currently being held on $100,000 bond and is charged with false imprisonment and child annoyance.
