Rodeo man charged with kidnapping in East Bay home invasions

SAN LEANDRO — Police here believe they’ve identified one of four suspects in two home invasion robberies targeting local families, court records show.

Victor Escorcia, 21, has been charged with multiple attempts of kidnapping, home invasion robbery, and attempted robbery in connection with the incidents. The robberies occurred last year on Nov. 27 and Nov. 30 in Castro Valley and San Leandro.

In the first robbery, a group of family members, including a young child, barricaded themselves in an upstairs bedroom as masked gunmen burst in. The gunmen were attempting to break down the bedroom door when they heard police sirens and left, authorities said.

Later, two of the robbers stole a $50,000 watch from another resident, authorities said. In second robbery, a group of gunmen stole $1,000 from a mahjong table, but used a similar modus operandi.

The robbers all wore masks, and it is unclear what role Escorcia allegedly played. He was identified due to cellphone records placing him in the area, authorities said.

Escorcia pleaded not guilty in June, and subsequently posted $250,000 bail to secure his release. In court filings, his attorney has described him as a loving and hardworking young man who takes care of an elderly family member. Support letters, filed by friends and family members in court, describe him as a charismatic and polite young man with righteous goals and aspirations.

“He can make you feel like a long time friend based on one conversation and always make sure you are received with open hands,” wrote on friend who is working as a San Francisco security guard. “Growing up, he is still one of the only individuals actively participating in church alongside his mom spending free time devoted to his faith & religion is not only seen but felt from the way he carries himself while speaking.”