MARIPOSA, Calif. — The lead singer of a Los Angeles-based shock rock band was arrested last week after allegedly committing a series of crimes that left residents and visitors in Mariposa County on edge. Anthony Mehlhaff, 40, frontman for the band Cancer Christ, now faces multiple felony charges following a chaotic series of events that began on August 21, according to the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office.
The bizarre chain of incidents reportedly started at a restaurant on California State Route 120, where Mehlhaff allegedly touched the stomach of a pregnant waitress, telling her, “The spirits led me to you and your baby belongs to me.” He then stole several drinks, assaulted another employee, and fled the scene in his vehicle, heading towards Yosemite National Park.
At around 3 p.m., Mariposa County’s emergency services began receiving multiple reports of a car chase, kidnapping, assault, and vehicle theft in the Fish Camp area. Rangers at Yosemite National Park attempted to stop Mehlhaff on Highway 41, but he continued driving until he crashed his vehicle near Fish Camp. After the crash, he reportedly stole a bicycle, removed his shirt, and handed it to a bystander, stating, “You’ll want to keep this, I’m going to be famous.”
Mehlhaff then entered the kitchen of the Tenaya Lodge, where he allegedly placed personal items in a refrigerator, grabbed a knife, and threatened staff. He later emerged from the lodge wearing only his underwear, vandalized the Clubhouse, and attempted to kidnap the store manager by forcing him to drive away. The manager managed to escape, and Mehlhaff stole the manager’s vehicle.
While driving on Highway 41 towards Oakhurst, Mehlhaff reportedly engaged in road rage, ramming a Tesla while making aggressive gestures. Mariposa County Sheriff’s Deputies located the vehicles and attempted to stop him, but Mehlhaff eventually crashed the stolen car just outside Oakhurst and was taken into custody.
While being treated at a local hospital, Mehlhaff allegedly assaulted deputies before being booked into the Mariposa County Jail. He is being held on $100,000 bail. A search of Mehlhaff’s vehicle revealed an Enola Gay smoke grenade, which was safely handled by the Merced Bomb Squad.
“This man drove all around our county terrorizing our visitors and community members,” Sheriff Jeremy Briese said in a statement. “I am extremely happy that no one was seriously injured. This man’s behavior was erratic and dangerous. I am proud of the work done by our staff and partnerships built that gives us the ability to apprehend criminals who continue to harm our communities.”
Mehlhaff faces a litany of charges, including kidnapping, reckless driving, vehicle theft, burglary, robbery, theft, battery, resisting arrest, and vandalism. The investigation is ongoing.
