Alleged San Jose Kidnapper Arrested Trying To Collect Ransom
SAN JOSE (BCN) - A San Jose man police arrested earlier this week in connection with a kidnapping is being held without bail at Santa Clara County Jail on several felony offenses, including assault with a deadly weapon.
Kevin Tran, 25, allegedly became upset after learning that his girlfriend was involved in a relationship with the man whom Tran apparently kidnapped, San Jose police said.
Tran befriended and obtained a ride from the victim on Sunday at about 6 a.m. in the 3300 block of Suncrest Avenue in San Jose, police said.
Once inside the victim's vehicle, Tran brandished a handgun and threatened to kill the 22-year-old San Jose man if he did not follow orders.
Tran allegedly forced the victim to drive to Los Angeles County and back to San Jose. While traveling on U.S. Highway 101, Tran discharged his handgun to demonstrate he was serious about fatally harming the victim, police said.
Tran allegedly told the victim he would be allowed to live in exchange for several thousand dollars ransom, and Tran allegedly forced the victim to stop at various locations during their drive to call family members to solicit the ransom money, according to police.
Once back in San Jose, Tran allegedly forced the victim into the passenger seat of Tran's car and then drove while holding the victim captive at gunpoint, police said.
Shortly before 9:30 a.m. Monday, Tran drove to the Bank of America at 1510 The Alameda in San Jose, where he apparently directed the victim to withdraw the ransom amount.
Police learned that Tran and the victim were inside the bank and dispatched officers and robbery detectives to the scene.
Tran was arrested in the bank's parking lot and the victim was located inside the bank.
Tran was booked into Santa Clara County Jail on suspicion of kidnapping, robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, criminal threats, unlawfully discharging a firearm, kidnapping for ransom, and false imprisonment involving violence, police said.
Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact San Jose police Detective Brian McDonald at (408) 277-4166. Anonymous tipsters may call the Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers at (408) 947-STOP (7867) or visit svcrimestoppers.org.
