A criminal investigation officer studies a fingerprint of the rapist (left) just a few hours before the suspect was arrested on Sunday. – Okaz photo JEDDAH – Police arrested on Sunday a 24-year-old Somali man on charges of multiple rape at knifepoint and burglary as he was about to enter a building in search of another victim. Intense investigations saw DNA evidence, aerial photography and descriptions provided by victims led to the arrest of the man, of whom an artist's impression had been released to the press by Jeddah Police one day earlier. The suspect had been under surveillance for several hours prior to his arrest after information led police to his apartment in the Al-Sharafiya district. Officers then tailed him as he visited relatives in Quwaizah, and later as he took a taxi to the district of Al-Waziriya. There the accused reportedly ascended to a security guard's room at a residential building and was preparing to enter a bedroom when officers moved in. One policeman was injured before the suspect was restrained. Vital DNA evidence in identifying the accused was taken from a piece of chewing gum he had used during one attack, according to police. The victim said her attacker stuck the gum on a wall before fleeing after she forcibly resisted him. A number of suspects matching descriptions of the attacker had been detained for questioning and were released after DNA tests failed to provide a match, police said. The suspect, who committed all his crimes between 10 A.M. and 5 P.M. and entered properties through bedroom windows looking out onto the street, confessed to 10 acts of rape and robbery after his arrest, police said. Three attacks occurred in the area of Quraish Street, followed by the Al-Safa district where the accused reportedly sexually assaulted a woman at knifepoint before escaping with jewelry. He later moved on to the districts of Mada'in Al-Fahd and the Prince Fawaz Housing Project zone. Jeddah Police chief Muhammad Al-Ghamdi praised the work of his force. “The capture was made through a well-planned and precision operation,” Al-Ghamdi said. “We had clues concerning the identity of the suspect and these were pursued and verified.” Al-Ghamdi said that several of the victims had positively identified the suspect during an identity parade following his arrest. “We are currently working to establish the full extent of his crimes,” Al
