Perth's 'DJ Roski' behind bars over alleged US kidnapping attempt

A Perth DJ and former Pride WA committee member has been detained by US police after being charged with kidnapping and child endangerment, accused of trying to kidnap a toddler in the United States.

Roscoe Bradley Holyoake, known as DJ Roski, allegedly tried to grab the two-year-old as he walked with his mother, who had been holding the child’s hand and carrying another baby in a front pack in San Francisco on Friday afternoon.

The mother freed the boy from Holyoake's grasp but the DJ allegedly ran away, prompting bystanders to chase him down until police arrived, KTVU Fox 2 reports.

Mr Holyoake faced a San Francisco court today during a five-minute appearance, where he had his head bowed as a judge set his bail at US$500,000 and placed a restraining order on him to not go within 150 yards (137 metres) of mother and her child.

The Australian man’s defence lawyer, Stephen Olmo, told media after the court appearance that his arrest may be a case of mistaken identity.

“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’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.

“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.”

Kidnapping and child endangerment charges in San Francisco carry a potential maximum jail of more than a decade, which could also be extended by the age of the young child victim.

Mr Olmo today said he has not had time to speak properly with Mr Holyoake, but made sure he was okay in jail.

“He’s upset – as you might be or anyone else,” he said.

“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.

Holyoake, 34, has played at Perth nightclubs, worked on RTR FM's All Things Queer program and performed at other LGBTIQ+ events in Australia.

Pride WA today said Holyoake had been a committee member for two years.

"We appreciate that this is a very concerning time for the alleged victims and Roscoe's family," the group said in a statement.

"Right now our sympathy is with them during this difficult time.

"The current allegations and reported behaviour appear to be very out of character.

"However we simply do now know enough at this time to provide any further comment.

"This is a highly abnormal situation and I'm sure you can respect that until further details emerge we are unable to provide any further comment until that time."

In December, Holyoake performed at the wrap party for entertainer Tim Minchin's new mini-series Upright, describing it on his website as an "absolute pleasure".

With AAP.