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Sarpy County rape suspect's capture a relief to area residents

Posted at 10:11 PM, Oct 20, 2017
and last updated 2017-10-20 23:11:17-04

The Sarpy County Sheriff’s department announced Friday evening they arrested suspected rapist Stephen Prior after searching for him since Wednesday evening. 

SEE RELATED: Sarpy County Sheriff: West Omaha rape suspect in custody

Prior is accused of breaking into a home near 156th and Giles and raping a woman at gunpoint, officials were worried he was armed and dangerous.  

“It is scary to live here all your life and having nothing to fear and never having something like happen this close to home,” Kim Dunne said, she lives in an apartment complex right of 156th and Giles. 

Court records show Prior used to live at the same complex and officials said he also lived in a home nearby. 

“I am just scared, so I have sent my kids away and lock every door and be safe,” neighbor Shannon Stevens said. 

Stevens and Dunn, along with Susan Hall said they have seen Prior in their complex before. 
“I have seen this person standing outside when I come home,” Dunn said. 

“I have seen him, he has watched me walk my dog,” added Hall. 

Court records show Prior has a criminal history, and served time in prison for eight and a half years for forgery, robbery, and burglary charges. 

Prior also has several protection orders filed against him, the last one in June. 

Officials were looking for Prior in an all out man-hunt, Sarpy County said they took him into custody around five on Friday. 

“I feel so much relief that my daughter is going to stay safe,” Hall said. 

The women agreed that the something like this can really shake up the feeling of security. 
“It can happen anywhere,” Dunn said. 

Prior is facing several charges including first degree sexual assault, robbery, burglary, possession of firearm, and false imprisonment.