The lead singer of a Los Angeles-based hardcore band is on trial for allegedly engaging in a bizarre crime wave in Yosemite.
According to records reviewed by the Mariposa County Sheriff's Office Law and CrimeAnthony Mehlhaff, 40, is charged with a series of crimes including kidnapping, reckless driving on the highway, grand theft auto, burglary, robbery, larceny, battery, resisting arrest and vandalism. The sheriff's office revealed the strange crime wave in a recent press release.
Mehlhaff, the lead singer of thrash/punk band Cancer Christ, allegedly began his reign of terror on August 21 at a small coffee shop on California State Route 120. There, he reportedly placed his hand on a pregnant employee's belly and breathlessly told her, “The spirits led me to you and your baby belongs to me and when is your break because I'll be waiting for you.”
Mehlhaff left the restaurant around 1:45 p.m., but allegedly assaulted another staff member and stole “a few drinks.” At 3:30 a.m., Mehlhaff headed toward the small community of Fish Camp, which serves as the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park. There, he allegedly crashed his car and stole a bicycle.
Mehlhaff reportedly said, “You're going to want to keep this, I'm going to be famous,” after handing his T-shirt to a witness.
Mehlhaff then allegedly entered the kitchen of the Tenaya Lodge in Fish Camp, where he put some of his clothes in the freezer and stole a knife, which he used to threaten employees.
Authorities say Mehlhaff continued to undress until he entered the hotel's clubhouse, which was wearing only boxer briefs and selling snacks and sundries. The singer reportedly told everyone to leave for their own safety before proceeding to vandalize the store. He then allegedly tried to kidnap the store's manager, but they managed to fight Mehlhaff off before stealing the manager's car keys and driving away in his Kia Optima.
Moments later, authorities reported Mehlhaff “encountered a Tesla and began exhibiting extreme road rage behavior,” making “aggressive hand gestures” and repeatedly driving his car into the other driver's car. Authorities spotted the Kia threatening the Tesla, and “a brief pursuit ensued.”
Mehlhaff crashed shortly thereafter, but it is currently unclear whether the crash was accidental or the result of law enforcement intervention. He was arrested and taken to a local hospital for medical evaluation, where he reportedly assaulted sheriff's deputies and was subsequently taken to jail.
“This man roamed all over our county terrorizing our visitors and community members,” Mariposa County Sheriff Jeremy Briese said in a statement. “While I am extremely grateful that no one was seriously injured, this man’s behavior was erratic and dangerous. This is just a taste of what we encounter at any given time. I am proud of the work our staff does and the partnerships that ensure our ability to catch criminals who continue to harm our communities.”
Mehlhaff is being held in the Mariposa County Jail on $100,000 bail.