71-Year-Old Fugitive Linked to 1989 Boston Assaults Apprehended After Los Angeles Pursuit

A suspect connected to the 1989 assaults of two women in the Boston area was apprehended on Thursday following a one-hour pursuit by the police in Los Angeles.

The pursuit began shortly before 4 p.m. in the Wilmington area.

According to Eyewitness News, authorities were on a nationwide manhunt for Stephen Paul Gale, who has been charged in connection with the May rapes. A 71-year-old individual has been charged with two counts of kidnapping and one count of armed robbery.

In 1989, Gale reportedly committed a robbery at a store in Framingham, which is situated approximately 20 miles west of Boston. During the incident, he subjected two female employees to sexual assault while threatening them with a gun.

Thanks to DNA testing, investigators were able to definitively identify Gale as the suspect.

The chase on Thursday lasted a little over an hour. Gale was behind the wheel of a sleek Lincoln SUV, smoothly navigating the bustling 405 Freeway and the city’s surface streets. They maintained a steady pace and dutifully stopped at every intersection.

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Throughout most of the pursuit, he skillfully evaded spike strips and PIT maneuver attempts. Unfortunately, Gale encountered a spike strip in the Westwood area, resulting in a flat tire.

Despite encountering a spike strip, the driver continued to navigate through the busy UCLA medical area without reducing speed.

Gale eventually gave up and turned himself into the police shortly before 5:30 p.m.

Authorities have reported that information about Gale has been distributed nationwide. Additionally, they have offered a reward of $5,000 for any tips that could help in his arrest.

Investigators have also revealed his previous connections to organized crime.

Source: ABC-7 News