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Suspected Serial Rapist Arrested During Traffic Stop In Detroit

DETROIT (WWJ) - Detroit police have arrested a suspected serial rapist wanted in a series of attacks on the city's east side.

Police said 18-year-old Darian Winfield was taken into custody during a traffic stop in the 5900 block of Harrell in Detroit.

"Thank you for your assistance with getting the information out to the public regarding this violent predator and assisting with removing him from our community," police said, in a statement.

On Thursday Detroit Police Chief James Craig briefed reporters on the case, at that time releasing a composite sketch of the suspect along with a detailed description.

Two assaults linked to the case happened on Radnor Street; and another nearby on Haverhill near Mack Ave. and Moross. All three involved home invasions. Police said a fourth incident that could be connected involved a woman who was attacked while walking at Mack and Cadieux in Grosse Pointe Park.

Craig said all of the assaults happened within a one-mile radius; the first one during the second week of December and the last on Thursday.

The assailant, police said, used a kitchen knife in his attacks — in one case stabbing his victim.

Earlier Friday, police sent out a photo of Winfield, identifying him as a suspect in the assaults and warning that he was "becoming increasingly violent and is to be considered armed and dangerous."

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Detroit Police Special Victims Unit at 313-596-1950. Citizens can remain anonymous by sending in a tip via the DPD Connect app or contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.

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