In a dramatic turn of events, a suspected serial rapist wanted in connection with two 1989 rape cases in Massachusetts has finally been apprehended in Los Angeles. The suspect, identified as Stephen Paul Gale, 71, was taken into custody on Thursday following a lengthy police chase that spanned several freeways and surface streets.

According to U.S. Marshals, officers located Gale driving a dark SUV in the Wilmington area around 4 p.m. and initiated pursuit. The chase led police onto the 110 and 405 freeways before Gale eventually exited onto surface streets on L.A.'s Westside while maintaining a moderate speed.

After an hour and a half pursuit, the intense action came to a close on Medical Plaza Drive in Westwood, close to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. Kevin Terzes, spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department, confirmed that police surrounded Gale's vehicle with their guns drawn. Gale, realizing he had nowhere to escape, surrendered to authorities and was promptly taken into custody.

The arrest of Stephen Paul Gale marks the end of a decades-long nationwide manhunt for the suspect. Gale had been charged with aggravated rape and kidnapping in connection with the two Massachusetts cases from 1989. Recently, he was identified as a suspect through the use of genetic genealogy in a series of rapes that occurred in Boston between 1989 and 1990.

During the time of the incidents, Gale's identity remained undisclosed, and he was commonly referred to as the "Boston Strip Mall Rapist." Federal authorities revealed that Gale had managed to evade capture for years, with his last known public appearance dating back to 2008.

Back in May, the U.S. Marshals Office issued a wanted announcement for Gale, offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to his arrest in connection with the 1989 case. The announcement also mentioned Gale's potential involvement in the series of rapes that plagued the greater Boston area.

As the news of Gale's arrest spreads, it brings a sense of relief and closure to the victims and their families who have endured years of suffering and uncertainty. The arrest serves as a testament to the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies in their pursuit of justice.

Gale will now face the consequences of his alleged crimes as he awaits legal proceedings, while authorities continue their investigation to determine if he may be connected to additional unsolved cases.