UMVA has learned that a man is on the run in California after unleashing a brutal attack with a samurai-style sword at a party, leaving victims fighting for their lives and authorities scrambling to apprehend him before he strikes again.
Jonathan Bays, 41, allegedly stormed into an apartment complex in Mariposa late Saturday evening, where a gathering had devolved into chaos. The attack was swift and devastating as Bays drew a large samurai-style sword and turned the party into a scene of carnage.
Multiple strikes from the deadly blade left the male victim gravely injured, with wounds to the wrist, hand, head, and shoulder. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but the attacker vanished into the night, fleeing on foot toward nearby trails.
Authorities have identified Bays as a transient from Idaho with an active parole warrant dating to 2025. Records reveal a disturbing criminal history, including a conviction for sexual battery of a minor between the ages of 16 and 17.
The victim was airlifted to a nearby hospital in critical condition, marking this as one of the most violent attacks in recent memory for the quiet mountain community. Sheriff Jeremy Briese described the incident as isolated but emphasized the suspect remains extremely dangerous.
All individuals inside the apartment at the time of the attack were reportedly under the influence of methamphetamine and other drugs, transforming what began as a social gathering into a drug-fueled nightmare that ended in violence.
Bays stands at 5'11" and weighs 180 pounds. He was last seen wearing a black sweater, black shoes, camouflage-style hat, and tan pants. Law enforcement knows him by multiple names, including Mike, Michael, and Aaron.
The Mariposa County Sheriff's Office has deployed an intensive multi-agency task force, utilizing helicopters, K-9 units, and tactical teams to hunt down the wanted felon before he can harm anyone else.
Anyone with information about Bays' whereabouts is urged to contact local law enforcement immediately, as this dangerous individual should be considered armed and hazardous.
