Perth DJ Roscoe Holyoake has appeared in court in San Francisco arraigned on kidnapping and child endangerment charges.
Holyoake, 34, is alleged to have grabbed a two-year-old child from his mother in the Castro district of San Francisco on Friday around 12pm.
Eyewitnesses have described the incident saying the mother had been walking with the child and had another baby in a front pack. The mother reportedly freed the child from Holyoake’s grasp before he ran away from the scene.
Bystanders have said that Holyoake had the toddler in his arms and the mother, who was screaming “police, police, help me”, refused to let her son go.
A local couple, Adam and Sabrina Walker, were in the vicinity with their own four-year-old son and said they watched as Holyoake released the boy after the struggle, smiled and then attempted to run away, according to television station Fox KTVU.
Mr Walker reportedly chased Holyoake for several blocks before detaining him, and waiting for police to arrive.
Holyoake appeared in court dressed in orange prison clothing. During the five minute appearance the judge set his bail at USD$500,000 and placed a restraining order on him ordering him not to go within 150 yards of a the mother and her child. He remains in custody.
Outside the court Nine News spoke to his lawyer Stephen Olmo, who said the full details of the case were yet to be known.
“It is my understanding he has no criminal record. He’s been in this country many times doing charitable work, DJ work, he was here on business for a few days prior to his arrest,” he said.
“I remind the presumption of innocence.You’ve seen the prosecutor naming the child as a ‘victim’. I object to that. That’s to be determined by a jury if there is a victim.” Olmo said.
“I’m not sure he even picked up a child – I haven’t seen a video of that. I have no basis for these charges whatsoever.
The defence lawyer said he had not yet had an opportunity to have an in-depth conversation with Holyoake.
“He’s a man that has no record. He’s not used to conditions such as that. It’s also dangerous to be in a jail accused of such allegations.” Olmo said.
Overnight images were published of Holyoake being detained by Walker, while other members of the public call for the police. Alongside the photo of Holyoake being detained the San Francisco Examiner published video of police handcuffing Holyoake at the scene.
Holyoake is being held in custody with a bond set at USD$500,000.
Holyoake was initially charged with kidnapping, a felony charge. Given the young age of the child involved, it could potentially result in a prison sentence of up to eleven years if convicted.
Overnight a second charge of felony child endangerment was added – that offence carries a prison sentence of up to six years.
Friends and colleagues of the DJ have expressed their shock at the news at the news of his arrest describing it as extremely out of character, some have also raised concerns about his mental health.
Holyoake had recently surprised friends when he announced he was moving to New Zealand, he had been spending most of this time recently in Auckland.
Graeme Watson
