Authorities say a suspected serial rapist could have ties to our area.

The search is on for the suspect after 8 elderly women were targeted in their homes in four Texas counties.
Chief Deputy Brent Walter with the Leon County Sheriff's Office says the suspect left behind DNA in Lavaca, Leon and Bell counties. Falls County also had reports of the serial rapist.

In February, a 79-year-old Yoakum resident reported being sexually assaulted inside her home.

Walter says 8 cases have been reported since January, with women ages 75 to 92. Items were stolen in all 8 cases. Walter says 3, possibly 4 of the women, were sexually assaulted.