Suspect Identified in the Attack of Downtown Los Angeles Trees
Over the holiday weekend, dozens of trees were chopped down around the downtown area while photos and videos of the aftermath spread across social media. Fallen trees were found across Olympic Boulevard, Grand Avenue, Hope Street, Figueroa Street and Cesar Chavez Avenue by locals in the area. On Saturday and Sunday, @dtlainsider (Media Moussavy) on Instagram, posted several videos of the hacked trees around downtown, tagging different local news stations, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and businessman Rick Caruso who recently announced he's considering running for mayor or governor of Los Angeles in upcoming elections.Under one video, a user wrote, "Drones and cameras all over DTLA. How did they not capture this taking place? 🤔"
Over the weekend, KTLA obtained a statement from Mayor Karen Bass' Office:"That someone would do this is truly beyond comprehension. City public works crews are assessing the damage and we will be making plans to quickly replace these damaged trees. LAPD has opened an investigation into what happened and those responsible must be held accountable.'In 2009, the Los Angeles City Council voted to instate a law issuing a fine of $1,000 per each street tree and some private property trees that are illegally removed. Through the early investigation, LAPD obtained surveillance footage of an alleged suspect that they released on Tuesday evening. The official alert featured two snapshots of a white male on a BMX-style bike who was wearing all Black. Later in the evening, LAPD announced the arrest of the suspect who was later identified as 44-year-old Samuel Patrick Groft. He was charged with felony vandalism and his bond of $150,000 was set.This isn't the first crime Groft has committed, police say. In 2008, he was arrested for his involvement in a murder where he helped move the body. As the investigation continues, the city is working to replace the damaged trees.
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