Calif. Rape Suspect Arrested In University Place

UNIVERSITY PLACE, WA - With the help of University Place and Pierce County police, investigators from California arrested a suspect here recently accused of raping a 64-year-old woman in 2013.

The rape occurred on Oct. 31, 2013, at the woman's home in the city of Benicia, Calif., which is in the San Francisco bay area. The suspect allegedly broke into the woman's home and carried out the assault. But he allegedly left behind DNA evidence. The suspect, Alexander Hayes, was recently arrested in Pierce County for burglary. When police in Pierce County entered his DNA into a database, they discovered Hayes was wanted in connection to the 2013 crime.

Police from the three departments arrested Hayes on a $250,000 warrant last Wednesday. He was placed in the Pierce County Jail until extradition to California.

"We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to both officers and detectives from University Place Police Department and the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in apprehending a dangerous suspect," Benecia police wrote on Facebook. "We are also very proud of our detectives who worked tirelessly on this case."

Image courtesy Benecia police