East Bay man pleads not guilty to kidnapping charges

MARTINEZ — A Lafayette man pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges that he held a family of four hostage in their home for more than five hours last month, officials said.

The 31-year-old has been charged with kidnapping, false imprisonment by violence, second-degree robbery, first-degree burglary, criminal threats and child abuse, according to a statement from Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office spokesman Ted Asregadoo. All of the charges are felonies.

Authorities allege that the man pulled a gun on a mother and daughter who were walking back to their apartment complex on Sept. 24. The man forced them into their residence in the 1000 block of Carol Lane at gunpoint, authorities said.

Two other family members already were inside.

According to Asregadoo, an adult in the family broke free at some point during the incident and overpowered the suspect. The suspect suffered injuries and went by ambulance to a hospital. He was released three days later and taken into custody at the West County Detention Facility, Asregadoo said.

The suspect is scheduled to return to court Nov. 30. He remains in custody without bail.