GEORGE TOWN: After being on the run for five days, a man sought in connection with the rape of a New Zealand tourist was nabbed at his house in Bayan Lepas early this morning.
The 28-year-old fisherman was picked up at 1.30am after police managed to trace his motorcycle based on information received from the public.
In the 11.45am incident last Sunday, the 26-year-old victim was walking to her hotel in Tanjung Bungah here when she was allegedly approached by the suspect, who then grabbed and raped her by the side of the road.
Sources said the victim had been here on holiday for a month with her boyfriend.
"Prior to the incident, the victim and her boyfriend were out entertaining themselves at a pub in the city centre, before they got into a fight. She then left him there and took a bus to the beach to calm herself down," the source said.
The alleged rape occurred while the victim was walking back from the beach to her hotel.
"The victim, who was drunk at the time, could not flee her rapist, but managed to call out for help.
"Several witnesses saw the incident, but dismissed it as a couple making out," the source added.
However, a nearby resident shouted at them, sending the suspect fleeing.
The site of the alleged rape is rather quiet and secluded, but closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras are known to be present in the vicinity.
Meanwhile, northeast district police chief Assistant Commissioner Anuar Omar confirmed the arrest of the suspect.
"The suspect was brought to court for remand this morning," he said, adding that the case is being investigated under Section 376 of the Penal Code.