The multi-agency manhunt for fugitive Paul Sandoval near Blanca Peak ended after five days with his arrest Sunday morning, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.

Sandoval, 62, has been wanted by the Alamosa County Sheriff’s Office since 2021 on charges of felony sexual assault of a child, among others. The collaboration by over 70 law enforcement agencies led to his arrest near Lake Como Road on Blanca Peak just before 10:30 a.m., the U.S. Marshals Service announced in a news release.

Sandoval is accused of sexually assaulting an 8-year-old girl for several hours in March 2021. Police believe he fled into the mountains after hearing a warrant was issued in the same month for his arrest, according to the release.

Leading to his arrest, law enforcement identified him to be in Alamosa County in August after tying him to a car and house break-in in the area. Surveillance cameras by the Marshals Service and the Alamosa County Sheriff’s Office captured footage of him, further confirming his presence and that he was armed with a rifle, the release states.

“We want to express our gratitude and thanks to the U.S. Marshals Service and all of the other agencies involved that came to assist in this manhunt. We couldn’t have done it without their help,” said Alamosa County Sheriff Robert Jackson.