After a series of intense events, which involved a car chase near Yosemite National Park, authorities apprehended a 40-year-old man from Los Angeles on Wednesday. The pursuit extended through both Madera and Mariposa counties, as reported by local station KFSN-TV.
According to a post on the Oakhurst CHP Facebook page, officers from the Oakhurst California Highway Patrol were notified about a reckless driver in a silver Kia Soul on Wednesday at 2:41 p.m. According to officials, the driver was observed discarding beer cans out of the window in Yosemite.
Park rangers made an effort to chase after the vehicle while it was still inside the national park. A car accident occurred near Tenaya Lodge in Fish Camp, which is located 2 miles outside the South Entrance of the park, according to officials.
After the crash, the individual made off with a bicycle and quickly made their way to Tenaya Lodge, according to the CHP.
According to Your Central Valley (KSEE-TV), he proceeded to make threats toward patrons and attempted to kidnap a store manager. A stolen vehicle was reported by the CHP, with the suspect driving towards Oakhurst on Highway 41. The stolen vehicle was reported to be the manager’s Kia Optima.
According to Oakhurst CHP, the man unexpectedly collided with the rear of a black Tesla sedan while driving south on Highway 41.
According to a Facebook post, the driver of the Tesla and the passenger inside were compelled to make a hasty escape from the Kia due to their concerns for their safety. The driver of the Kia persistently collided with the rear sides of the Tesla as they made their way through the town of Oakhurst.
A vehicle pursued by the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office crashed near Mattie Fhy Road.
A man named Anthony Melhaff, aged 40, has been taken into custody on multiple serious charges of kidnapping, robbery, and reckless driving. He was apprehended and processed at Mariposa County Jail, as stated in inmate records.
“This man drove all around our county terrorizing our visitors and community members,” Mariposa County Sheriff Jeremy Briese told Your Central Valley. “I am extremely happy that no one was seriously injured.”
