The Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office searched for a man who was reported missing and at risk near Yosemite National Park for two days.
According to a news statement from the sheriff’s office, the search involved law enforcement search and rescue, helicopters, and an off-highway vehicle team.
According to a sheriff’s office social media post, Nathan Baptista, the missing man, was last seen on June 27 when he told family members he was going to ride his dirt bike close to a mine and a tower but provided no other information.
Before the sheriff’s office investigations unit discovered that Nathan Baptista had an active federal warrant out for his arrest related to an aggravated sexual abuse charge, search teams had traversed more than 500 miles of difficult terrain.
According to officials, Baptista, 38, who is 5 9 and weighs about 165 pounds, reportedly broke his probation in relation to the case. The white Chevrolet S10 pickup truck he was operating had the California license plate 7B48533. Authorities have been asked to be contacted by anyone with more information.
Nation & World
After escaping from jail and starting a massive manhunt, the Devil in the Ozarks, a former police chief and convicted killer, was apprehended.
According to the sheriff’s office news release, we are now certain that this case has changed from an At Risk Missing Person to a federal law enforcement absconding fugitive who is no longer in Mariposa County. His pickup and dirt bike were spotted in the Fresno area, according to surveillance footage.
Federal authorities charged Baptista with aggravated sexual abuse last year after he allegedly raped and strangled a female park employee.
The woman and Baptista were both employed for a business that runs the park’s hospitality services. Prosecutors said that the victim was raped the night she met Baptista.
It’s unclear if Baptista is now free on bail as he awaits trial.
