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Accused Raleigh Rapist Arrested In Chicago

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RALEIGH, N.C. — Wayne Willis, a man being sought by Raleigh police on rape charges, has been picked up in Chicago.

The 38-year-old Willis remained in the custody of U.S. marshals in Chicago Wednesday evening.

Raleigh police believe Willis robbed, beat and sexually assaulted at least two women and possibly a third.

Willis was arrested at noon, eastern time, on Wednesday. Authorities said he was found near his father's home and led marshals on a short foot chase.

Willis is to be extradited to North Carolina. But the extradition may be delayed because he's also facing charges in Chicago.

Chicago authorities and Raleigh authorities are expected to work out an agreement as to who gets the first chance to prosecute Willis.

Willis is wanted by Raleigh police in connection with two separate attacks, one in September and the other just last week. Police said the attacks happened in Southwest Raleigh near Lineberry Road and Trailwood Drive.

Detectives said the suspect preys on young women in vulnerable situations.

"He targets females that are alone in one circumstance or the other," said Raleigh police Lt. Chris Morgan, "either in an apartment or, in the latest case, walking through a parking lot in the wee hours."

In one of the attacks, Willis is accused of beating a woman with a flashlight, then strangling her. Morgan said he didn't stop there.

"He actually drove a short distance with her car, " Morgan said, "attempted to rape her and committed some other sexual violations, and he ended up robbing her."

According to police, Willis has a violent criminal record dating back to the mid-'80s.

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