Registered nurse charged in 2016 Alexandria lifeguard rape

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (FOX 5 DC) - Alexandria Police have arrested a 37-year-old Arlington man, who they say abducted and raped a lifeguard in broad daylight from a pool on South Pickett Street in 2016.

Police began investigating in September 2016 after the lifeguard reported that she'd been raped by an unknown subject.

The 24-year-old victim told her the suspect - a man in his 30s - approached her with a gun and raped her.

Jesse Bjerke was arrested Tuesday by police on charges of rape, abduction, object penetration, and three counts use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

While Alexandria police say they don't have any outstanding stranger rape cases, they say this an active investigation, and there could be more potential victims.

Meanwhile, Fairfax County police are actively investigating a strikingly similar case. Police say a young lifeguard raped back in 2015 on Yarling Court in Falls Church.

Fairfax County police say they're working with Alexandria detectives, but have not yet made a definitive connection.

Jesse Bjerke is a registered nurse in Virginia, with an active license.

Two sources tell FOX 5 that Bjerke was at some point over the last few years a technician and then an emergency room nurse at Inova Alexandria Hospital.

However, Inova tells FOX 5 that he is currently suspended.

Bjerke is due at Alexandria circuit court for a preliminary hearing Thursday morning. Alexandria police say Bjerke is being held without bond.

If convicted he could face life in prison.

If you have any information that might help investigators, call (703) 746-6673.