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After evading authorities for nearly a decade, the notorious fugitive known as the “Bad Breath Rapist” has finally been captured in California, bringing an end to a disturbing crime spree that plagued multiple states.
The suspect, identified as 48-year-old Michael Johnson, was apprehended on Tuesday in a motel in San Diego by a joint task force comprising U.S. Marshals and local law enforcement agencies [1]. His arrest follows a series of brutal sexual assaults that occurred between 2012 and 2014 in several states, including Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.
Johnson earned his chilling moniker due to the victims’ consistent reports of his foul breath during the attacks. This distinct characteristic, along with DNA evidence, linked him to at least seven rapes across the three states [2].
The manhunt for Johnson had been ongoing since 2014, with authorities relentlessly pursuing leads and tips from the public. However, the fugitive managed to evade capture by frequently changing his appearance and employing various disguises.
This arrest is a testament to the resilience and determination of law enforcement agencies across multiple jurisdictions,
said U.S. Marshal John Gibbons during a press conference.
We never gave up on bringing this dangerous individual to justice. [3]
The breakthrough in the case came after a recent tip led investigators to the San Diego motel where Johnson was staying under an alias. Authorities swiftly mobilized and apprehended him without incident.
According to court documents, Johnson’s reign of terror began in 2012 in Quincy, Massachusetts, where he allegedly raped two women within a span of three months [4]. The attacks were characterized by their brutality and the suspect’s distinct foul breath.
As the investigation progressed, DNA evidence and witness accounts linked Johnson to five additional rapes in Rhode Island and Connecticut between 2013 and 2014 [5]. The crimes followed a similar pattern, with the assailant targeting women in isolated areas and subjecting them to horrific acts of sexual violence.
Authorities believe Johnson may have committed additional crimes during his years on the run, and they are urging any potential victims or individuals with information to come forward.
We are relieved to have this predator off the streets,
said Quincy Police Chief Paul Keenan.
While his capture brings some closure, the trauma inflicted on his victims will never be erased.[6]
Johnson is currently being held without bail and awaits extradition to Massachusetts, where he will face multiple charges, including aggravated rape and kidnapping. Prosecutors have vowed to seek the maximum punishment allowed by law.
The arrest of the “Bad Breath Rapist” has brought a sense of relief to communities across the affected states, but it also serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight against sexual violence and the importance of supporting survivors.
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