Rodeo man charged with kidnapping in East Bay home invasions

SAN LEANDRO Police here believe they ve identified one of four persons in two home invasion robberies targeting local families court records show Victor Escorcia 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 and Nov 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 officers commented Later two of the robbers stole a watch from another resident executives explained In second robbery a group of gunmen stole 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 government reported Escorcia pleaded not guilty in June and subsequently posted 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 Backing 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 unfailingly make sure you are received with open hands wrote on friend who is working as a San Francisco measure 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