Armed with a chainsaw, an individual embarks on a bizarre rampage, destroying trees valued at a staggering $347,000.
A man, identified as Samuel Patrick Groft, left an inexplicable trail of destruction on Earth Day, allegedly using a chainsaw to obliterate numerous trees worth $347,000 in downtown Los Angeles, Glassell Park, and Westlake District.
Over the course of several days between April 14 and April 19, Groft reportedly chopped down trees at intervals on North Broadway Avenue, West 8th Street, South Grand Avenue, and Treadwell Street in Southern California[1][3].
Photographs released by the police department showed the devastation left behind – a tree on a sidewalk, cut down and fallen onto an urban street, and a chopped stump covered in branches and leaves[2].
Authorities managed to apprehend Groft near Custer Avenue and West Sunset Boulevard on April 22[4]. He has been charged with eight counts of felony vandalism, with bail set at $150,000[4].
Police Commander Lilian Carranza expressed her disbelief at the incident, stating, "I have never seen anyone go and attack trees, especially around the time of Earth Day"[2]. Meanwhile, Mayor Karen Bass emphasized the impact of the loss, acknowledging that city public works crews are now assessing the damage and planning to replace these damaged trees[2].
While Groft remains at large for potential additional crimes, the community has been encouraged to share any relevant information with the police department[2]. As investigations continue, the mystery surrounding Groft's motivations and the exact number of trees cut down persists.
Sources:[1] KABC - https://abc7.com/los-angeles-man-charged-with-cutting-down-11-trees-earth-day-damage-cost-347k/12663001/[2] Los Angeles Times - https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-04-22/reek-of-death-man-suspected-of-chopping-down-city-trees-arrested[3] LAist - https://laist.com/news/ctg-14475532/trees-uprooted-los-angeles-earth-day-suspect-arrested[4] AP News - https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-celebrity-books-arts-culture-los-angeles-bec05ed389d8eef8af7c46ad57d0bf6d
- The charge against Samuel Patrick Groft, the man who allegedly carried out a spree of tree chopping in Los Angeles, includes eight counts of felony vandalism.
- The criminal act of tree obliteration carried out by Groft, which occurred on Earth Day, resulted in the loss of over $347,000 worth of trees in downtown Los Angeles, Glassell Park, and Westlake District.
- The general news and crime-and-justice categories have been abuzz with reports of Groft's activities, detailing his rampage across North Broadway Avenue, West 8th Street, South Grand Avenue, and Treadwell Street in Southern California.
