Police Apprehend Suspected Rapist

Harvard Police apprehended a 19-year-old former Belmont High School student in Holyoke Center Friday night, charging him with four counts of rape.

The suspect, Walter S. Nilhan of Belmont, was recognized by Officer David Rourke, Chief of Police Paul E. Johnson said yesterday.

Rourke identified Nilhan because of a state-wide warrant for his arrest and apprehended the suspect on the corner of Massachusetts Ave. and Dunster St. at around 9 p.m. on Friday, Johnson said.

Nilhan was later transferred into the custody of the State Police, Johnson said.

Johnson said he does not know the details or time of Nilhan's arraignment.

State Police Spokesperson Trooper Larry Gillis said he could not comment on the case.

According to Harvard police sources, the state police warrant listed four counts of aggravated rape. It is unclear how many separate incidents were committed, but Nilhan allegedly committed a Harvard-area rape near the Charles River approximately a year ago, police said.

Sources said the girl involved in that incident was not a Harvard student but a person who was visiting Harvard Square.

Classmates of the Suspect

Nilhan's former classmates at Belmont High School yesterday described him as a troublemaker and a loner.

Mike C. McGovern '97 said he used to play hockey with Nilhan When the two were young kids. He and Nilhanattended the same middle school and high school,although Nilhan did not graduate with McGovern'sclass.

"He was always associated with trouble,"McGovern said.

A classmate who spoke on condition of anonymitysaid Nilhan had few friends.

"He got into fights, he was a troublemaker, henever did his homework. He was a classic problemsperson," the classmate said

"He was always associated with trouble,"McGovern said.

A classmate who spoke on condition of anonymitysaid Nilhan had few friends.

"He got into fights, he was a troublemaker, henever did his homework. He was a classic problemsperson," the classmate said