A fugitive rape suspect from Massachusetts was reportedly found on a massive luxury boat on a marina in Wilmington before he led police on a chase through Los Angeles.
Stephen Paul Gale, 71, was wanted in connection with the 1989 rapes of two women near Boston.
According to WCVB-TV , sources said Gale was found aboard a yacht named The Dior anchored at Seacoast Yachts when police closed in on Aug. 8.
Police believe Gale suspected he was being watched when he got in his SUV and took off, leading police on a lengthy chase. He was taken into custody near the UCLA medical area.
READ MORE | Suspect wanted for 1989 rapes of 2 women in Boston area in custody after LA chase
A man linked to the 1989 rapes of two women in the Boston area was taken into custody after leading police on an hour-long chase through Los Angeles.
According to WCVB-TV, once Gale was in custody, police discovered he had mutilated his own fingertips in an effort to evade authorities.
On Tuesday evening, AIR7 captured exclusive aerial footage of police as they searched the vessel. At least one of the officers involved in the search is from Massachusetts.
Meanwhile, Eyewitness News was the only TV station inside an L.A. courtroom where Gale was brought in on a gurney to face check-forging charges from the '90s. His lawyers asked to delay his arraignment while matters in Boston proceed, asking for no bail. The judge denied the request.
"Because of the very serious nature of those charges, including extreme cases of violence, including rape, robbery and kidnapping, at this time, I'm going to set bail in the amount of $2 million," the judge said.
Gale allegedly robbed a store in Framingham, located about 20 miles west of Boston, just two days after Christmas in 1989 and sexually assaulted two female employees while holding a gun to their heads. Through DNA testing, investigators were able to positively identify Gale as the suspect.
Information about Gale was distributed nationwide, according to authorities, and a $5,000 reward was offered for tips that would lead to his arrest.
Investigators also said he once had ties to organized crime.
Gale's attorneys told Eyewitness News the 71-year-old recently underwent heart surgery and isn't doing well.
"I have not heard of anybody, any crime, any problems he's had in almost 40 years," said attorney Sammy Weiss.
Gale is due back in court on October 9.
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