MIDPINES – Mariposa County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a Mariposa man for attempted homicide at the scene of a solo vehicle accident on Friday, Mar. 22.
Deputies were called to the scene in the 6400 block of State Route 140 in the Midpines area at about 12:15 a.m.An Investigation led to the arrest Joshua Battles, 36, for attempted homicide of the four other occupants in the vehicle, when it was determined that Battles had tried to kill them by intentionally driving the vehicle off the highway and directly into a tree.
A 27-year-old adult female, and three young children ages 7, 4 and 1-1/2, were in the vehicle at the time, and were treated at a local area hospital. The Sheriff’s Office is reporting that it appears no one suffered serious injury.
Battles is being held on numerous felony charges including attempted homicide, terrorist threats, child abuse, spousal abuse and probation violation. Bail has been set at $500,000.
The Mariposa Area California Highway Patrol is assisting the Sheriff’s Office with the ongoing investigation.
Alcohol and/or drugs do appear to be a factor in the incident.
