425-pound California gang member tried to kidnap 10-year-old boy

Santa Ana, CA, United States (4E) – A 425-pound gang member in Southern California has been taken in custody after attempting to kidnap a 10-year-old boy on his way to soccer practice last Thursday.

According to Santa Ana Police, 55-year-old Victor Joseph Espinoza, a known gang member with a large rap sheet, lured the boy away from his adult cousin who was walking with him, and grabbed him Thursday afternoon at a park in Santa Ana.

The boy, who struggled and was able to break free, ran to inform his coach about the assault.

The unidentified coach, who said he was mad because the kid was crying, looked for Espinoza and unsuccessfully tried to detain him because of his size.

Authorities, with the help of a police helicopter, located Espinoza in a nearby yard and arrested him on charges of false imprisonment and child annoyance.

The attempted abduction occurred in a well-lit park with several parents and soccer players around.

It was also reported that Espinoza tried to kidnap a girl, who also got away, earlier that evening.

Santa Ana police, Antony Bertagna, described Espinoza as a gangster with more than 60 prior arrests over 30 years on charges including drug possession, assault with a deadly weapon and attempted murder.

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