MIAMI – During a Wednesday morning news conference, Miami Police Chief Manuel Orosa said police had arrested Terrance Jefferson in connection with a rape and several robberies last month.
Jefferson was charged in four incidents that happened between Dec. 28 and Dec. 31, 2013.
"Mr. Jefferson is a career criminal," said Orosa. "He has a long history, anywhere from kidnapping to attempted first-degree murder."
On Dec. 28, investigators say Jefferson, 33, offered an 18-year-old woman a ride during bad weather. Once the victim was inside the car, he pulled out a gun and ordered her to take off her clothes.
"She started fighting back and she ran away, and she was able to give us a good description of the car," said Orosa.
On Dec. 30, Jefferson allegedly entered another woman's car, robbed her and sexually assaulted her at gunpoint, police said.
"I have family members that have been rape victims, and I just thank the Miami Police Department for arresting this guy," said Tracy Jackson, who lives nearby. "We need to get these predators off the streets."
"I have been living here for over 25 years, and it's alarming when you find out what is in your neighborhood and you don't know the dangers that are there," said Jerry Jackson. "The fact that they have him arrested and in jail is a good thing."
On Dec. 31, he reportedly called a 9-year-old and 13-year-old girls to his car, police said.
"The little girls were afraid, started yelling," said Orosa.
The kids screamed, dropped their cellphone and laptop and ran away. Jefferson, who police say was carrying a gun, is charged with armed robbery.
Jefferson used his girlfriend's Chevrolet Impala in the incidents, say police. He was released from prison in November.
"Hopefully, we can give him a long jail term and he won't do this again," said Orosa.