Central California shooting: LA man Anthony Mehlhaff arrested after series of crimes in two counties, authorities say

MARIPOSA COUNTY, Calif. – A Los Angeles man was arrested in Central California earlier this week after authorities said he “terrorized” people in Mariposa and Madera counties.

The Mariposa County Sheriff's Office said the crime spree began Wednesday when 40-year-old Anthony Mehlhaff visited a restaurant in the Buck Meadows area. Mehlhaff allegedly approached a pregnant employee and told her, “The spirits led me to you and your baby is mine. And when is your break because I will be waiting for you.”

In a press release, authorities said Mehlhaff then stole several drinks, attacked another employee and fled in his car toward Yosemite National Park.

Park rangers attempted to stop Mehlhaff on Highway 41 within park boundaries, but authorities said he crashed his car near Fish Camp and stole a bicycle.

Mehlhaff is accused of entering the Tenaya Lodge, grabbing a knife and threatening employees. He then allegedly walked to a nearby stream and took off his pants.

“Mehlhaff left the lodge kitchen and walked to a creek near the Tenya Lodge clubhouse, where he removed his pants, wallet and car keys,” the press release said. “He then entered the clubhouse wearing only his underwear and told customers to leave or they would be in danger.”

After vandalizing the clubhouse, the statement said, the suspect allegedly took the store manager's car keys and attempted to kidnap him while attacking him and trying to force him to drive Mehlhaff out of the area. The store manager, however, managed to escape.

Mehlhaff allegedly stole the manager's vehicle and drove on Highway 41 toward Oakhurst, where authorities say the suspect was involved in an incident of driving aggression with the driver of a Tesla.

Mehlhaff eventually caused an accident with the stolen vehicle and was taken into custody, authorities said.

“While receiving medical evaluation at a local hospital, Mehlhaff began assaulting Mariposa County Sheriff's deputies,” the sheriff's statement said.

He was taken to the Mariposa County Jail and held on $100,000 bail.