Minnesota man arrested on suspicion of rape

By Paul Walsh, Star Tribune

Last update: April 21, 2008 - 12:47 PM

A Minnesotan man featured on “America’s Most Wanted” was arrested one day later in Arizona on suspicion of raping a 9-year-old girl nearly two years ago, authorities said today.

Robert Gaye, 32, of Golden Valley, was featured Saturday night on “America’s Most Wanted,” the long-running nationally syndicated television show that profiles crime suspects and cases of missing children.

The Minnesota Fugitive Task Force credits the program and view tips with Gaye’s arrest Sunday night at a soccer field in Glendale, Ariz.
In February, Gaye was the first fugitive to be featured in the Twin Cities area on Clear Channel Outdoor’s digital billboards. He also was on Hennepin County’s “Ten Most Wanted” list.

He was wanted for first-degree criminal sexual conduct in the assault of a 9-year-girl on May 2, 2006, in Golden Valley.
The Minnesota Fugitive Task Force had tipped FBI officials in Phoenix that Gaye might be in their area.
Gaye, whom the FBI described as an “unskilled laborer,” is in the Maricopa County jail awaiting extradition to Minnesota.

Recent Local + Metro stories

First-ever lockdown drills today at Mall of America - April 21, 2008

First-ever lockdown drills today at Mall of America - The Mall of America will carry out its first-ever lockdown drills this morning and tonight. More