Man wanted for sexual assault of child arrested after months of evasion: officials

A man wanted in connection with the sexual assault of a child at a New Castle County YMCA in 2024 has been arrested.

Officials with New Castle County Police announced the arrest of 21-year-old Nehemiah Garcia in North Philadelphia Saturday morning.

Timeline:

In June of 2024, police in New Castle County were called to the 30 block of Chestnut Drive on the report of a sexual assault of a child under age 12.

Garcia, a resident of Cape Coral, Florida, was identified as the suspect by officials in late June 2024.

A warrant for his arrest on charges of first-degree rape was then issued for Garcia.

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Officials said U.S. Marshals and the FBI then began an extensive search for Garcia up and down the east coast.

Garcia managed to stay just out of reach, according to authorities, until he was located and arrested in North Philly Saturday.

What's next:

Garcia is being held by the Philadelphia Police Department and is awaiting extradition.

Officials say the investigation remains open and active and anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Adam Holubinka at adam.holubinka@newcastlede.gov or 302-395-8254.

Crime & Public SafetyNew Castle CountyPhiladelphiaNews