Pennsylvania man wanted on 865 counts of child rape arrested in Florida

Photo: Leon County Sheriff's Office

A man wanted on 865 counts of child rape in Pennsylvania has been captured in Florida.

According to the Tallahassee Democrat, U.S. Marshals arrested 47-year-old Garrick Bloom, who had been on the run since a warrant was issued for his arrest on Jan. 16.

Authorities in Clarion, Pennsylvania said Bloom was wanted in connection with the rape of a young child, whom investigators said Bloom had been grooming and assaulting since the child was 5 years old.

The U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force arrested Bloom outside of a homeless shelter in Tallahassee on Thursday.

Deputy Commander Marty West told the newspaper that Bloom fled Pennsylvania after a warrant was issued for his arrest, and said he first came to Tampa before going to Tallahassee.

Bloom faces 216 counts of rape of a child, 216 counts of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, 216 counts of aggravated indecent assault of a child, 216 counts of statutory sexual assault, and endangering the welfare of a child.

Bloom will be held at the Leon County Jail until he is extradited back to Pennsylvania.

FOX 13 reported on this story from Tampa.