'Extremely Dangerous' Mountain Man Targets Mount Baldy Hikers: Police

LOS ANGELES, CA — An “extremely dangerous” man who has been preying upon hikers in the Mount Baldy area is in custody today, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Now investigators are asking for additional potential victims to come forward.

Police arrested 66-year-old Patrick Flinn Friday on suspicion of making criminal threats and false imprisonment.

"Detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department are seeking assistance in locating additional victims who may have been assaulted, attacked, harassed or threatened by the above individual while hiking at Mount Baldy," the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department announced in a written statement. "Mr. Flinn is extremely dangerous, violent and known to carry large knives on his person."

According to investigators, Flinn blocked the path of one hiker, throwing branches at the person and followed another group of hikers while armed with a sledgehammer and spewing threats.

The incidents date back to January. Investigators believe Flinn has been living in the forest in an abandoned structure for more than a decade.

According to detectives, Flinn is 6 feet tall, weighs about 170 pounds and has blue eyes and gray hair. He had several cuts on his face at the time of his arrest.

Anyone who believes they have been a victim of Flinn is urged to call the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department at 1-800-222-8477.