Police: Escaped rapist sighted in TA, Safed
Police receive reports of numerous spottings of suspicious cuffed figure in both Tel Aviv, Safed. Authorities concerned convicted rapist may hide out in Orthodox neighborhood where he's less likely to be recognized
Is fugitive rapist Benny Sela hiding out in Safed? Police searched the Tel Aviv area after receiving a report Wednesday that a handcuffed man was seen who answered to the description of convicted serial rapist Benny Sela, who has been on the loose since Friday after escaping captivity.
Simultaneously, police received reports of a suspicious man spotted in the Safed area Wednesday afternoon. Police put up roadblocks at the entrance to the city and were checking every vehicle.
The search parties found a suitcase and many clothes near an abandoned building by the Safed cemetery, where a suspect was spotted.
Police sources say that they have received so far five reports of sightings of a suspect resembling Sela, two of which referred to the same area.
Police special units including dog handlers and horsemen were also taking part in the search. A helicopter was also called to assist in scanning the wooded areas from above.
Police have expressed concern that Sela might make his way to areas populated by ultra Orthodox communities, a public which often does not follow the media and among which he may not be recognized.
Police 'taking reports seriously'
The Northern district police said they were taking the reports of sightings seriously. "At first we were skeptical, but as the spottings increase, chances are that he is hiding here". Police's spokesman deputy Nizav Avi Adri said "just as was done in Tel Aviv, here in Safed we are taking every report very seriously".
One of the people who reported seeing Sela, Safed resident David Hadad, said: "I saw him on Sunday, but wasn’t sure it was him….today (Wednesday) I spotted him in the old city and called some friends, they saw him too. He was wearing jeans and a brown jacket, and when he saw us he took off and disappeared".
The search has shaken up Safed residents and many woman began taking more precautions. Safed resident Anat said: "This is definitely a dangerous man, so I keep my door locked at all times and check when it's okay to leave the house".
