Suspected serial rapist arrested after DNA link
POLICE have launched a major investigation into the cold case rapes of up to 20 Sydney women dating back nearly 30 years ago after a DNA hit linked a man to at least four sex assaults.
NSW
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POLICE have launched a major investigation into the cold case rapes of up to 20 Sydney women dating back nearly 30 years ago after a DNA hit linked a man to at least four sex assaults.
The 53-year-old tow-truck driver was arrested at his home north Sydney home in Epping just after 7am this morning.
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His arrest follows investigations launched into historic sex assaults in the Ryde area by a special strike force, named Petit.
An initial review of a number offences — which were previously linked by similarities in the offenders modus operandi — revealed DNA links between four incidents over a 18 year period from 1989 and 2007.
The man is expected to be charged this afternoon with up to a dozen offences related to more than four victims.
Police are now looking at another possible 20 attacks in the area from the 1980s to now.
Shortly after the arrest, a further two search warrants were executed at properties at Ryde and Berrilee.
The women attacked were aged between 14 and 40, a NSW Police spokeswoman said.
The alleged perpetrator didn’t know the victims who were targeted in “predator-style attacks”.
All of the search warrants are still underway, and inquiries are continuing.
The Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad is comprised of detectives who are specially trained to investigate matters against children and adults, including sexual assault, serious physical abuse, and extreme cases of neglect.