The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has arrested a man living in an abandoned shack in Mt. Baldy on allegations that he threatened local hikers and campers.
The suspect, identified as 66-year-old Patrick Michael Flinn, reportedly engaged in a pattern of disturbing behavior, including throwing bottles and shards of glass, and even jumping into oncoming traffic, according to local resident Varan Hoyt. “He would actually jump into oncoming traffic. I’m surprised he never got hit,” Hoyt said.
Authorities described Flinn as “extremely dangerous” and “violent,” stating that he was often seen carrying large knives. Deputies allege that he confronted multiple hikers with weapons, including a sledgehammer and large tree branches. In addition to physical threats, Flinn is accused of aggressively shouting at passersby to leave the area he claimed as his property and physically blocking their path to prevent escape.
Several neighbors shared troubling stories of their encounters with Flinn. A local woman, identified only as Tracy, described incidents in which Flinn threw garbage and broken glass at hikers as they fled.
“Sometimes I tried to keep things friendly because I live here, and I didn’t want my family to be targeted,” Hoyt added, reflecting the tension the community experienced.
Tracy also revealed that she had considered tearing down the shack after its previous resident moved out. “I’m regretting that we didn’t,” she said. “Because all of this trouble may not have happened if there was nowhere for Patrick to stay.”
Flinn has pleaded not guilty to charges of making criminal threats and false imprisonment. He is currently being held on $295,000 bail.
Investigators suspect there may be additional victims and are encouraging anyone who had a similar encounter with Flinn to come forward and contact the sheriff’s department.
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