Franklin County deputies found and arrested Thurmond Hargrove around 4 p.m. Friday after a city employee spotted him in Riverbend Park, near downtown Louisburg. They said Hargrove was hiding in brush in a riverbed.
The search for Hargrove started nine hours earlier after a woman leaving her home for work walked out her front door, was hit on the head, dragged back inside and raped.
Officers found Hargrove's car nearby; his pants, including his wallet and driver's license, were found inside the vehicle, giving deputies a clue to the suspect's identity.
Officials said after Friday morning's assault, Hargrove left his shoes in a wooded area and took off on foot.
Hargrove is suspected of raping another Franklin County woman last week.Deputies said the victim was also hit on her head and raped in her front yard as her husband and son were asleep inside their home.
Officials said Hargrove ambushed both women, and could be responsible for two other attacks in Warren County.
Hargrove is being held in the Franklin County Jail.
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