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Police arrest man suspected of cutting down trees in downtown LA
A fallen tree on the sidewalk at the intersection of Olympic Boulevard and Hope Street in Los Angeles, shown on April 21, 2025.
(
Kavish Harjai
/
LAist
)
Topline:
Los Angeles police announced Tuesday night that they had arrested a man suspected of using a chainsaw to cut down numerous trees lining city sidewalks in downtown.
The destruction: Last weekend, residents awoke to find severed tree trunks toppled onto the streets of downtown L.A. The trees appeared to have been felled by a chainsaw-wielding vandal in an act described by the mayor’s office as “truly beyond comprehension.”
The suspect: Shortly after police released surveillance photos of the man believed to have cut down multiple city trees between April 17 and April 22, the LAPD announced the arrest of 44-year-old Samuel Patrick Groft. Police officials describe him as a resident of Los Angeles.
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The arrest: Groft was arrested on suspicion of felony vandalism. Police say they are encouraging the public to provide any further information they might have about the suspect because they believe he could be responsible for other crimes.
Why it matters: Though they are
unequally dispersed
in L.A., urban trees have been shown to
benefit residents
by boosting mental health and providing much needed shade during heat waves. Researchers with USC have also found L.A.’s trees
absorb more carbon dioxide
than previously understood, helping to offset climate-harming emissions.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
