LASD Seeking Victims Of ‘Dangerous’ Man Who Lives In Woods And Attacks Hikers On Mount Baldy

Authorities say an “extremely dangerous” suspect accused of attacking hikers in Southern California is in custody, and investigators are seeking any additional victims who may have encountered him.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department on Thursday announced the arrest of 66-year-old Patrick Flinn in connection with attacks on at least six hikers this year at Mount Baldy in the San Gabriel Mountains. Authorities said the most recent reported attack occurred in the Dry Lake Canyon area on May 16.

KTLA reported that in that incident, Flinn allegedly blocked the path of a hiker and began throwing branches at her, until two other hikers came to her aid. In a Jan. 12 incident, Flinn allegedly threatened another group of hikers with a sledgehammer.

Flinn, described as a white man standing 6 feet tall and weighing 170 pounds, is “extremely dangerous, violent, and known to carry large knives on his person,” the sheriff’s department said. He has reportedly been living in an abandoned house in the middle of the forest since 2012.

Other hikers have posted videos on social media and YouTube warning others about Flinn, so investigators believe there have been additional unreported incidents.

“Detectives are seeking assistance from the public in locating additional victims who may have been assaulted, attacked, harassed, and/or threatened by Suspect Patrick Flinn,” the sheriff’s department said.

Anyone who believes they may have been victimized by Flinn, or knows someone who has, is asked to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department San Dimas Station at (909) 450-2700.