Sheriff Wayne Ivey announced the arrest of Steven Barrick, a repeat offender with a history of indecent exposure dating back to 2013 in Philadelphia. 

Barrick, known as the “Philadelphia Flasher,” was apprehended last night after citizens reported a man exposing himself and masturbating along a bike trail.

Deputy Bradley Hackett responded to the scene, prompting Barrick to attempt a bicycle escape. The pursuit led to Barrick’s nearby residence, where he briefly hid in the attic before surrendering.

He now faces felony charges of Exposure of Sexual Organs (2nd or Subsequent Offense) and a misdemeanor charge of Resisting an Officer Without Violence. His next court date is scheduled for October 10th, 2024, with a bond set at $10,500

Barrick’s notoriety in Philadelphia began in 2013 when he earned the moniker “Philadelphia Flasher” due to his repeated acts of indecent exposure across the city.

His offenses were so frequent and brazen that he landed on the city’s Top 10 Most Wanted Fugitives list. His actions terrorized communities and sparked public outrage, leading to a concerted effort by law enforcement to apprehend him.

In 2013, the U.S. Marshals tracked Barrick to Brevard County, where he was visiting relatives. This led to his arrest by the Brevard County Fugitive Unit on outstanding warrants from Philadelphia.

However, despite facing charges and potential jail time in Philadelphia, Barrick somehow found his way back to Brevard County, where his pattern of indecent exposure and run-ins with the law continued, culminating in his most recent arrest.

Sheriff Ivey expressed his frustration with Barrick’s extensive criminal record, highlighting previous arrests in Brevard County for violation of probation, cocaine possession, and multiple indecent exposure incidents.

“Can someone please explain to me how a scum bag like this guy is even out on our streets where he can show anything?” Ivey questioned, criticizing the criminal justice system for allowing repeat offenders to continue endangering the public. He emphasized the potential for Barrick’s actions to escalate into something even worse.

The Sheriff called for stricter sentencing from judges, advocating for extended or even permanent incarceration for those who repeatedly break the law.

For now, the “Philadelphia Flasher,” or as Sheriff Ivey now calls him, the “Space Coast Mini Rocket Launcher,” remains behind bars. However, the question lingers: for how long?