Hollywood Hills search for fatal stabbing suspect turns up empty
A nine-hour police search for a 54-year-old murder suspect in the Hollywood Hills area ended without an arrest on Tuesday, but sheriff’s homicide detectives say they have received several tips.
The massive manhunt in the hills above the Greek Theater and around Runyon Canyon ended about 3:30 p.m. after dozens of deputies and police officers were unable to find Oscar Bridges. He is wanted in connection with the Jan. 23 stabbing death of Robert Brewer, 21, of Texas.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Lt. Holly Francisco said they flooded the area with uniform officers after they received a tip.
“He knows a lot of people in the area,” Francisco said of Bridges. “We wanted to get his pictures out there to see who saw him last.”
Authorities spent hours on foot, horseback and in police vehicles as they looked for Bridges. Police dogs were also used to assist in the search, which started about 6 a.m. Tuesday. Officials also distributed fliers.
But after an extensive search, authorities were unable to locate Bridges.
“We didn’t find him,” Francisco said. “But we received numerous tips.”
The heavy police presence was somewhat of a rare sighting for residents living in the hills.
Authorities said they poured resources into the search because Bridges is sex offender with an extensive criminal history. They consider him armed and dangerous.
Robert Brewer was fatally stabbed Jan. 23 in a motel room in the 10400 block of Vermont Avenue in the Westmont neighborhood, according to police.
Bridges is described as a male black, 6 feet 2 inches tall and 180 pounds. He has black, dreadlocks-style hair, brown eyes and is known to frequent motels in the Hollywood and West Hollywood areas, police said.
He also goes by the name Rick and has ties to Arizona.
Anyone with information about Bridges’ whereabouts or about the case is encouraged to call sheriff’s homicide detectives at (323) 890-5500. Anonymous calls can be made to (800) 222-8477.
Twitter: @latvives
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