“We know the who. The why will be part of the investigation,” said LAPD Commander Lilian Carranza.
METRO
A Los Angeles man has been arrested for allegedly destroying city trees worth $347,000 in a chainsaw attack that coincided with Earth Day. Police say 45-year-old Samuel Patrick Groft cut down at least 11 trees across multiple neighborhoods including Downtown LA, Glassell Park, and Westlake District. The spree began last Thursday and continued until Tuesday when Groft was arrested near Custer Avenue and Sunset Boulevard.
Images shared by LAPD show felled trees and stumps littering sidewalks. “That someone would do this is truly beyond comprehension,” said Mayor Karen Bass. LAPD Commander Lilian Carranza added, “We know the who. The why will be part of the investigation.”
Groft, who has been charged with felony vandalism, was described as 6’4” and 230 pounds, with a visible neck tattoo. His bail was set at $150,000. Authorities are investigating whether he is linked to more unreported incidents.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Los Angeles Police Department.