
http://images.ibsys.com/2005/1221/5598313.jpg[/IMG]"] Reynaldo Rapalo
Accused Serial Rapist Escapes Fla. Jail
POSTED: 12:48 pm EST December 21, 2005
MIAMI, Fla. -- Police are searching neighborhoods, airports, rail stations and ports for an inmate accused of raping seven girls and women in the Little Havana area who escaped from jail.
Police said Reynaldo Rapalo climbed down the roof of Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center using bed sheets tied together. He then ran away.
Another man who tried to escape with him was caught after he broke his legs while jumping.
Rapalo, a native of Honduras, is considered armed and dangerous.
He was arrested in September 2003 after a massive manhunt and accused of raping seven victims, ages 11 to 79, and attempting to attack four others.
He was awaiting trial for the rapes he was linked to using DNA evidence.
If convicted, Rapalo faces up to life in prison.
The crimes kept the Little Havana neighborhood on edge for a year. The women were sometimes raped inside their homes.
Police said DNA evidence also showed Rapalo unsuccessfully tried to attack a woman hanging her laundry in the middle of the day, which led to his arrest.