$1 Million Bail for Shasta County Man Accused of Violent Sexual Assault
ANDERSON, CA — A Shasta County man has been arrested for the alleged violent sexual assault of a woman over the weekend.
According to a press release by the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded in the early morning hours of Saturday, Oct. 11, to a report of a sexual assault near Balls Ferry and Ash Creek roads.
At the scene, deputies discovered an adult female victim who’d suffered severe injuries consistent with a violent sexual assault. The victim was taken to an area hospital where she underwent emergency surgery, the sheriff’s office said.
Detectives with the Major Crimes Unit responded to take over the investigation. Through witness statements and evidence collected at the scene, detectives identified the primary suspect as Mitchell Wayne French, 42.
On Tuesday, Oct. 14, officials with the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Anderson Police Department, located and arrested French at his home on Jason Court. Authorities reportedly also carried out a search at the residence.
French was booked into the Shasta County jail on suspicion of kidnapping with the intent to commit rape, sexual penetration by force or fear, kidnapping with increased risk of harm, aggravated mayhem or torture, and great bodily injury.
French’s bail was set at $1 million.
