MARIPOSA COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — A 41-year-old man accused of attempting to kill another man with a sword in Mariposa County has been arrested.
The Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office says Jonathan Mishael Bays was found Wednesday morning during a coordinated operation at a known homeless encampment in the area.
According to Sheriff Jeremy Briese, Bays was among several people inside an apartment on Saturday where “everyone inside appeared to be using methamphetamine” when there was an argument.
Investigators said Bays allegedly attacked 32-year-old Andrew Cooper with a sword during the confrontation. Deputies later found Cooper with multiple injuries to his head, neck, shoulders and hands.
Bays fled the scene before deputies arrived and a manhunt began, stretching for several days.
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.
The Sheriff’s Office said Bays has several aliases and was originally from Idaho.
Deputies say the investigation remains ongoing.
Listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern.
