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Suspect Arrested In Violent Lauderdale Lakes Rape & Robbery

LAUDERDALE LAKES (CBSMiami) – Broward Sheriff's Office say they have one of two men responsible for the violent rape and robbery of a Lauderdale Lakes woman earlier this month.

Christopher Baker, 24, of Wilton Manors was taken into custody on Thursday. Baker reportedly admitted his involvement in the crime to detectives. BSO says his accomplice is still at large.

Neighbors said Baker was living with his family.

"He seemed very normal," said neighbor Gina Duarte.  "He got along with everyone here and he was very quiet. He was an individual that was always sitting in front of the door."

Detectives say the incident happened in darkness at 5:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 9th. The victim told detectives she was walking northbound on State Road 7 to meet a co-worker who normally gives her a ride to work.

Suddenly, she said, in the 2400 block of State Road 7 when she stopped at their meeting place at One United Bank, two men approached her. One was on a bicycle; the other was on foot.

According to a BSO incident report, one of the men pulled a grey handgun and forced her to the drive thru teller area on the northeast side of the bank where there are numerous trees and bushes.

The second suspect choked her, struck her and forced her to the ground.

After the rape, BSO said the suspects fled with the victim's black, brick style Metro PCS phone and her purse that contained three social security cards, three passports and three resident alien cards. An FPL bill and keys to the victim's apartment were also in the purse.

"He [Baker] did make some admissions to his involvement and we're still looking for a second suspect," said Sgt. Aimee Alexander of the Broward Sheriff's Office.

Anyone with additional information about this case, or know the whereabouts of the second suspect,  is urged to call Broward Crimestoppers at (954) 493-TIPS (8477) or contact BSO Special Victims Unit Detective Sandra Haye-Roberts at (954) 321-4240.

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