The Mariposa County Sheriff's Office said deputies are looking for Jonathan Mishael Bays following an alleged attack late Saturday night at the Creekside Terrace Apartments. According to a social media update from Sheriff Jeremy Briese, Bays was among several people inside an apartment where "everyone inside appeared to be using methamphetamine" when an argument began.
Investigators said Bays allegedly attacked 32-year-old Andrew Cooper with a sword during the confrontation. Deputies later found the victim with multiple injuries.
"We located the victim, an adult male with several wounds from the sword, to the head, neck, shoulder and hand area," Briese said.
By the time deputies arrived, Bays had fled the scene on foot. Officials believe he may have headed down an off-road path toward the county jail, but as of three days after the incident, he had not been located.
Authorities said Bays may be known by several other names, including Michael, Mike and Aaron.
"He's a transient out of the Idaho area, and through other checks we did confirm there is an absconding parole warrant for him out of Idaho," Briese said.
The last confirmed sighting of Bays shows him leaving the apartment complex wearing a camouflage hat, black jacket and khaki pants while still carrying the samurai-style sword used in the attack, according to deputies.
Residents in the area said the search has left them feeling uneasy and afraid to go about their daily routines.
"We felt safe, until now. Now we have somebody out there who's willing to chop everybody up with a sword," said Nicole Brown, who lives near the apartment complex.
Neighbors said they have been keeping watch on nearby hills and the surrounding area, unsure where the suspect could be hiding.
"You have a violation of parole, that's what we've been seeing on social media, why take it out on somebody? You came to our small community to do what? To cause problems, to hurt somebody, almost kill them?" Brown said.
Brown added that many residents remain anxious as the search continues.
"Everybody's just fearing for their life, really. This is our home, and if this guy wants to cause problems like this, either go somewhere else or turn yourself in," she said.
The victim was flown to UC Davis Medical Center and was last reported to be in the surgical intensive care unit. His mother has set up a GoFundMe page to help cover medical and travel expenses.
Authorities continue to urge anyone with information on Bays' whereabouts to contact law enforcement.
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