Police Say Serial Rapist Behind Bars 2 Years After First Attack

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Nearly two years after his first known attack, police say they've found the serial rapist who's been terrorizing women in Baltimore City.

Amy Yensi with more on the recent break in the case.

It took forensic detectives quite some time to catch him, but say they have no doubt they've got the right guy.

Between 2013 and 2015, police say Michael Privette raped four women in Baltimore City. The 22-year-old serial rape suspect is now arrested and charged with multiple counts of sexual assault.

"He raped two women in the city in 2015 and two in 2013, terrorizing them, their families, their neighborhoods and our community," said Interim Commissioner Kevin Davis, Baltimore Police Department.

The victims range in age from 17 to 47 years old. Women learning of this for the first time are stunned.

"I definitely think it's awful, especially since we're so close to a public park. You'd think there'd be more police in this area, for sure," said Shannon Himes.

The first two attacks happened in 2013 on Dukeland and Baltimore streets. Then, two more in July and August of this year on W. Lafayette Avenue and then again on Frederick Avenue.

Each time, the woman was on foot and the suspect was armed with a knife or handgun.

In the latest incident, a 26-year-old woman was standing at a bus stop in the 2800 block of Frederick Avenue when the suspect approached her with a knife. He ordered the victim to walk to the rear area and sexually assaulted her.

Another victim, a 47-year-old woman, was picked up in an unlicensed taxi cab and raped inside the vehicle.

Forensic detectives matched Privette's DNA in three of the cases.

"That's pretty awesome because if we didn't have that technology it could have been going on for a lot longer," said Sean Walker.

Officials are crediting science with helping ease the fears of unsuspecting women across the city.

Privette was serving time in 2014 for other crimes, and that's how police explain the gap in between attacks.

Privette is also on probation for burglary.