South Bay Kidnapping Suspect Arrested

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA — A Sunnyvale man was arrested Tuesday in connection with the kidnapping of a female associate last month, San José police said.

Zhanfang Xu, 43, was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon, and attempted robbery, police said.

Officers at around 9 p.m. Jan. 10 responded to th 5000 block of Lapa Drive on the report of a kidnapping, attempted robbery, and assault with a deadly weapon, police said.

Investigators determined Xu approached the adult female victim from behind, held a knife to her neck and forced her to walk to a nearby sidewalk and sit down, police said.

The victim fought back and ran away while Xu was trying to cover her mouth with packing tape and remove her purse, police said.

Neighbors witnessed the incident and came to the victim's aid, but Xu fled before officers arrived, police said.

Xu was arrested by the SJPD’s Covert Response Unit in Sunnyvale.

The motive surrounding the incident is under investigation, police said.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Detective Yee #4342 of the San José Police Department’s Robbery Unit via email: 4342@sanjoseca.gov or at 408-277-4166.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously by using the P3TIPS mobile app, calling the tip line at (408) 947-STOP, or by visiting the Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers Program.

Anyone who submits information leading to an arrest is eligible for a cash reward from the Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers Program.