Logo

A manhunt is underway in Northern California for a man suspected of trying to kill another person with a samurai sword during a party in Mariposa County on Saturday.

The Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office said that 41-year-old Jonathan Bays allegedly used the sword to hack up another person, striking the victim’s body multiple times with a Samurai-type sword at the Creekside Apartments in Mariposa over the weekend.

Authorities said when they arrived at the complex, they found the victim who had been struck in the head, shoulder, wrist and hand with the sword when a fight occurred between the two at a party.


  A manhunt is on in Northern California for a man suspected of trying to kill another person with a samurai sword during a party. Facebook/Mariposa County Sheriff's Office A manhunt is on in Northern California for a man suspected of trying to kill another person with a samurai sword during a party. Facebook/Mariposa County Sheriff's Office

The victim was transported to a nearby hospital to be treated for his wounds.

A search of the area by drones and helicopters has yet to lead to Bay’s arrest and authorities are still actively searching for him.

Bays — who is a transient who has been in the area for a year — was last seen leaving the apartment complex on foot heading towards the jail.


  Bays was last seen leaving the apartment complex on foot heading towards the jail. Facebook/Mariposa County Sheriff's Office Bays was last seen leaving the apartment complex on foot heading towards the jail. Facebook/Mariposa County Sheriff's Office

The suspect is known to go by other names and allegedly has multiple aliases.

He was last seen wearing a black sweater, tan pants, a camo hat and black shoes. 

Officers said through the investigation, they found that Bays had an outstanding arrest warrant out of Idaho last year for parole violation.

The parole violation was for sexual abuse of a minor, according to the the documents obtained by The California Post.

Now, authorities say he is wanted for attempted murder.


  Authorities warn that if you come in contact with Bays do not approach or engage him as he’s considered armed and dangerous. Facebook/Mariposa County Sheriff's Office Authorities warn that if you come in contact with Bays do not approach or engage him as he’s considered armed and dangerous. Facebook/Mariposa County Sheriff's Office

Authorities warn that if you come in contact with Bays do not approach or engage him as he’s considered armed and dangerous, as they believe he is still armed with the samurai sword.

The public is advised to contact the sheriff’s office if you have any information as to his whereabouts. 

They also called it an isolated incident as a result of a fight between Bays and another person.

The Post reached out to the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office for further comment.

Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters

California Post News: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedIn
California Post SportsFacebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X
California Post Opinion
California Post Newsletters: Sign up here!
California Post App: Download here!
Home delivery: Sign up here!
Page Six Hollywood: Sign up here!


Comments
anonymous profile image
Powered by RoundtableBuilt on infrastructure designed for real-time media. Learn more at RTB.io.© Roundtable 2026. By using this site you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy