Shock rock singer arrested after alleged crime spree in Mariposa County

MARIPOSA, California. — The lead singer of a Los Angeles shock rock band was arrested last week after allegedly committing a series of crimes that sent residents and visitors in Mariposa County into an uproar. Anthony Mehlhaff, 40, frontman of the band Cancer Christ, now faces multiple felony charges following a chaotic series of events that began on Aug. 21, according to the Mariposa County Sheriff's Office.

The bizarre chain of incidents reportedly began at a restaurant on California State Route 120, where Mehlhaff allegedly touched the belly of a pregnant waitress and told her, “The spirits led me to you and your baby is mine.” He then stole several drinks, attacked another employee and fled the scene in his vehicle toward Yosemite National Park.

At around 3 p.m., Mariposa County Emergency Services received multiple reports of a chase, kidnapping, assault and carjacking in the Fish Camp area. Yosemite National Park rangers attempted to stop Mehlhaff on Highway 41, but he continued driving until he crashed his vehicle near Fish Camp. After the crash, he allegedly stole a bicycle, took off his shirt and gave it to a passerby, saying, “You're going to 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 left 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 toward Oakhurst, Mehlhaff reportedly flew into a fit of rage and rammed a Tesla while making aggressive gestures. Mariposa County Sheriff's officers found the vehicles and attempted to pull him over, but Mehlhaff eventually crashed the stolen car just outside of Oakhurst and was taken into custody.

While being treated at a local hospital, Mehlhaff allegedly assaulted officers before being booked into the Mariposa County Jail. He is being held on $100,000 bail. A search of Mehlhaff's vehicle turned up an Enola Gay smoke grenade, which was safely disposed of by the Merced Bomb Disposal Squad.

“This man drove throughout our county terrorizing our visitors and community members,” Sheriff Jeremy Briese said in a statement. “I am extremely pleased that no one was seriously injured. This man's behavior was erratic and dangerous. I am proud of the work of our staff and the partnerships we have built that allow us to apprehend criminals who continue to harm our communities.”

Mehlhaff is facing a number of charges, including kidnapping, reckless driving, auto theft, burglary, robbery, theft, assault, resisting arrest and vandalism. The investigation is ongoing.

Washington, DC — A 16-year-old suspect was arrested following an armed robbery in Northeast D.C., according to the Metropolitan Police Department.

The incident occurred on Sunday, August 25th, at approximately 10:17 p.m. in the 3200 block of 10th Street, Northeast. The victim reported being approached by two suspects, one brandishing a firearm while the other demanded the victim's property. After the victim complied, the suspects fled the scene with the stolen items.

Officers quickly searched the area and were able to locate and arrest one of the suspects. After an investigation, a 16-year-old female from Northeast DC was charged with robbery and unauthorized use of a vehicle.

The case remains under investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact police at (202) 727-9099 or text tips to 50411. A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for violent crimes in the District of Columbia.

TRENTON, NJ — Governor Phil Murphy has expressed his full support for Vice President Kamala Harris' proposal to provide $25,000 grants to first-time homebuyers, stressing that the program has been successful in New Jersey. Murphy praised the program's major impact, particularly on young, Black and brown communities in the state.

Murphy emphasized the effectiveness of the program in New Jersey, calling it a “huge success” for first-time home buyers.

He pointed out that although the subsidy encourages the purchase of a home, it is not the only solution to the housing problem and stressed that the supply of housing must be increased.

“We did it in Jersey. It's a huge success. It's had a particularly big impact on young people in the black and brown community who are buying their first home,” Murphy explained.

He reiterated his support for initiatives to help first-time homeowners as well as to expand the overall housing supply, particularly affordable housing.