For two days, the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office searched the man reportedly as “at risk” near Yosemite National Park.
The search included off-highway vehicle units and law enforcement search and rescue squads, according to a sheriff’s office news release.
The missing man, Nathan Baptista, said he would ride a dirt bike “near the mines and towers” on June 27, but was last seen when he didn’t provide additional details, according to a post on the sheriff’s office social media.
The search team covered more than 500 miles of rugged terrain after the sheriff’s office investigation unit revealed that Nathan Baptista had an aggressive federal warrant for his arrest.
Baptista, 38, weighing about 165 pounds and 5’9 inches, is allegedly violated probation in connection with the charges.
“For now, I am confident that the incident has shifted from “at-risk” people from federal law enforcement who are no longer in Mariposa County to fugitives,” according to a news release from the sheriff’s office. “Survey footage confirmed that his tracks and dirt bikes were seen in the Fresno area.”
Baptista was charged with worsening sexual abuse last year after being accused of raping and strangled a female park employee.
Baptista and the woman worked for a company that operated hospitality services in the park. The alleged rape occurred the night the woman met Baptista, prosecutors said.
Baptista is awaiting trial, but it is not clear whether he is currently on bail.
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