Authorities combed the hills near the Hollywood Bowl, the Greek Theatre and Runyon Canyon Park for 54-year-old Oscar Bridges, who also goes by aliases Peter or Rick.
Bridges is wanted in connection with the Jan. 23 murder of 21-year-old Robert Brewer, of Texas, in a motel room on South Vermont Avenue. Authorities said Brewer was stabbed multiple times and was pronounced dead at the scene.
More than 50 deputies searched the Hollywood Hills area by air, on horseback and on foot. Later in the day, the search extended down to Hollywood Boulevard, where deputies marched down the Walk of Fame with a sniffing bloodhound.
Homicide detectives passed out flyers, knocked on doors, questioned local merchants and motel managers, and spoke to people in a homeless encampment. The search was called off about 3 p.m., but authorities said they will continue checking tips about Bridges.
Some folks exercising in the area said they've spotted Bridges as early as last week.
"I just [saw] him up there walking around by himself without a backpack, without a shirt," said Oscar Murillo of Hollywood. "So when I [saw] it this morning on the news, it just kind of creeped me out."
Bridges is a registered sex offender and has an extensive criminal record, which includes drug and assault charges. Investigators said he has a history of befriending males between the ages of 16 and 25.
He is described as an African American male standing at about 6 feet tall and weighing approximately 190 pounds. He wears his hair in long dreadlocks.
Authorities said Bridges is considered armed and dangerous - so if you see him, do not approach him.
If you have any information about Bridges' whereabouts, you're urged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department homicide detectives at (323) 890-5500 or call LA Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.
Meanwhile, joggers and hikers in Runyon Canyon Park and Griffith Observatory said they will likely not be exercising alone until Bridges is caught.
"I exercise here every day. I mean it's scary coming here, you think it's safe and you see a lot of people. But then you hear about this, you're kind of like, scared," said Ani Salmastian of Los Angeles.
