MARIPOSA COUNTY, Calif. (TCN) — Authorities arrested a 40-year-old man who was only wearing his underwear after he allegedly led rangers on a car chase in Yosemite National Park boundaries, assaulted multiple people, and tried kidnapping someone.
According to the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office, on Wednesday, Aug. 21, at approximately 1:45 p.m., Anthony Mehlhaff allegedly went up to a pregnant server at a local restaurant in the Buck Meadows area and touched her stomach. He reportedly told her, “The spirits led me to you, and your baby belongs to me, and what time is your break because I will be waiting for you.”
Deputies allege Mehlhaff then stole multiple beverages at the business, assaulted another employee, and fled in his vehicle, driving toward Yosemite National Park. The sheriff’s office started receiving reports at around 3 p.m. regarding a possible car chase, kidnapping, assault, theft of vehicles, and other related offenses near Fish Camp.
Yosemite National Park rangers reportedly tried to stop Mehlhaff in the park boundaries, and he eventually crashed his vehicle. Mehlhaff allegedly stripped off his shirt, gave it to a bystander, and said, “You’ll want to keep this, I’m going to be famous” before stealing a bike.
The sheriff’s office alleges that Mehlhaff went into the Tenaya Lodge Kitchen through the back door before grabbing a knife from the kitchen and threatening employees. The suspect reportedly left the kitchen, took off his pants, and then entered the Tenaya Lodge Clubhouse in his underwear. He allegedly “told the customers to leave or they would be in danger.”
According to the sheriff’s office, Mehlhaff also vandalized the clubhouse and stole the store manager’s keys. He allegedly assaulted the manager, attempted to abduct him while in his grasp, and tried to force the manager to drive Mehlhaff away. The store manager eventually escaped Mehlhaff’s hold.
Mehlhaff allegedly drove away in the manager’s vehicle. While on the road, he reportedly came across a Tesla and “began extreme road rage behavior” and tailgated the vehicle, making “aggressive hand gestures.”
Mehlhaff allegedly “began ramming the Tesla” before deputies located and tried to stop Mehlhaff. He reportedly crashed outside Oakhurst, and officials took him into custody.
According to the sheriff’s office, Mehlhaff was transported to a hospital and allegedly assaulted deputies while being medically cleared. He was booked into the Mariposa County Jail on $100,000 bail. He faces multiple charges, including vandalism, vehicle theft, reckless driving, kidnapping, first-degree burglary, robbery, obstructing an officer, and battery, records show.
During a search of a vehicle registered to Mehlhaff, authorities found an Enola Gay smoke grenade.
In a statement, Mariposa County Sheriff Jeremy Briese said, “This man drove all around our county terrorizing our visitors and community members. I am extremely happy that no one was seriously injured. This man’s behavior was erratic and dangerous.”
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Mehlhaff, who goes by “Saint Anthony,” is the lead singer of a metal band called Cancer Christ.