KANSAS CITY, Kan. -- A woman who was raped eight years ago said she is relieved that charges have been brought in the case.

Police said a DNA hit led to rape charges against Jimmy J. Smith, 52, who is already serving time in Missouri for other crimes in Jackson County.

Jennifer Spangler said she was 15 on Feb. 23, 1999, when she was attacked while waiting for a school bus in Kansas City, Kan.

"He had me at gunpoint. I really couldn't run," Spangler told KMBC's Maria Antonia.

She said she was kidnapped and raped, and then her attacker dropped her off at Harmon High School.

"That was one of those cases that just didn't go out of your mind -- it never went away," Detective Gregory Conchola said.

"Eight years of wondering if he's ever going to be caught," Spangler said. "And finally, I get a call one day and they got him -- it's a great feeling. He can't hurt anybody else."

Court records show that Smith has been convicted of nine other crimes that include rape, kidnapping, and sexual misconduct involving a child.

Spangler said she wants to encourage other rape survivors to report the crimes and to never give up.