A community of multi-million-dollar homes was besieged by law enforcement searching for one seriously bad dude today, Sheriff's officials said.
The hunt for 54-year-old Oscar Bridges in the terrain above the Greek Theater and near Runyon Canyon Park involved a helicopter, cops on horseback and nearly 50 deputies on the ground, the L.A. County Sheriff's Department said.
But the search was called off early this afternoon, we were told:
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Sheriff's spokeswoman Nicole Nishida said deputies came up empty.
Cops believed Bridges, who appeared to lead somewhat of a transient lifestyle, might be in the hills or at motels, shelters or churches lining the Hollywood Boulevard corridor below, she said:
We did get tips that he was seen in the area – motels, shelters, churches. We went to local motels and handed out fliers.
Search teams gathered at the Hollywood Bowl this morning before fanning out, deputies said.
Detectives allege that Bridges fatally stabbed 21-year-old victim Robert Brewer of Texas in the room of a motel in the 10400 Block of South Vermont Avenue in South L.A. County territory Jan. 23.
The attack was reported at 10:40 a.m., deputies said. Brewer was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators say Bridges is known on the street as Rick. He's 6 feet, 2 inches, 180 pounds with dreadlocks. Cops say he frequents motels in Hollywood and West Hollywood.
Deputies alleged this in a statement:
He is considered armed and dangerous with an extensive criminal record and is a registered sex offender.
If you've seen him recently call detectives at (323) 890-5500.
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