Suspected Serial Rapist Arrested After Car Chase in California

A 71-year-old man, Stephen Paul Gale, suspected of being a serial rapist, was apprehended by law enforcement in Los Angeles County following a car chase on Thursday. Gale, who is accused of raping two women at gunpoint 35 years ago in Massachusetts, was driving a Lincoln SUV when he attempted to evade authorities. He ultimately surrendered around 5:30 p.m., according to a source from the Los Angeles Police Department. Gale was publicly identified as a suspect in the rapes in May, after a lengthy investigation. He has a history of living in multiple states and using various aliases, complicating efforts to track him down. Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan noted that Gale had previously been linked to organized crime, which raised concerns about his potential danger to the public. The case has drawn significant attention due to the severity of the allegations and the lengthy time that has passed since the crimes were committed. Authorities have been working diligently to locate Gale, and his arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the cold cases. As the legal process unfolds, Gale faces serious charges that could lead to substantial consequences if convicted. The case serves as a reminder of the challenges law enforcement faces in solving long-standing crimes and the importance of continued vigilance in protecting the community.