Latest news with #Groft
Epoch Times
08-05-2025
- Epoch Times
Man Ordered to Stand Trial for Allegedly Cutting Down 13 Trees in Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES—A man accused of using a chainsaw to cut down 13 trees—primarily in downtown Los Angeles—was ordered May 8 to stand trial on nearly a dozen vandalism charges. Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge George G. Lomeli reduced two of the 11 felony counts against Samuel Patrick Groft to misdemeanor charges, agreeing with defense attorney Julieta Flores' argument that the prosecution had not proven that there was more than $400 in damage to the four trees involved in those two counts that were added to the case on May 7. Groft said, 'something about you're arresting me on Earth Day' and told police, 'I love trees. I love bark. I'm an arborist,' according to Los Angeles Police Department Detective Jose Hidalgo, who was among a team of officers who arrested the defendant April 22 at an encampment in the area of Custer Avenue and Sunset Boulevard, adjacent to the 101 Freeway and 110 Parkway, in downtown Los Angeles. A chainsaw that was originally red but had been spray-painted black was recovered at the scene, along with other items, including a bicycle, a baseball cap, and the chainsaw box that were seen in surveillance video footage, the detective testified. Authorities estimated last month that there was nearly $350,000 in damages. David Miranda, a street tree superintendent for the city of Los Angeles, testified that he estimated damage at just under $175,000 for trees that had been located on city-owned property, but said he did not do an assessment of replacement costs involving all of the trees—some of which he said were on private property. Related Stories 3/31/2025 3/3/2025 LAPD Detective Roberto Gutierrez testified Wednesday that he was told by a woman that three juniper trees reported to cost about $10,000 each were cut down April 14 in front of her business in the 700 block of West Temple Street. He said the woman provided surveillance video footage showing the suspect holding a chainsaw and cutting down trees while wearing black gloves. The charges involve 13 trees that were cut between April 13 and April 19, including one that had a limb chopped off in broad daylight. Los Angeles Police Detective Ryan Watterson—who said he was investigating a tip regarding a tree being vandalized on the afternoon of April 13 on the east side of Avenue 26 near Figueroa Street—testified that he determined a chainsaw seen on surveillance video footage was sold exclusively by Harbor Freight. He noted that surveillance video footage from the store showed the suspect paying for the chainsaw at the nearby Harbor Freight store and that Groft's name was on a receipt that day from the store. LAPD Officer Manuel Rojas told the judge he responded April 19 to a call about damaged trees at 350 S. Grand Ave. and 'saw three trees cut down and laying on the street.' He said video surveillance footage showed a suspect approaching with something in his hand, the suspect moving away and a tree falling. The officer testified that he subsequently saw another tree cut down further south on Grand Avenue along with an additional one on Hope Street just south of Ninth Street He said all of the trees were cut down in the same manner. Another officer testified that he responded to a report of a tree that was vandalized April 17 in the 500 block of North Broadway, saying the tree had been cut in half. Three other trees were vandalized April 18 in the 1500 block of 8th Street, Hidalgo testified. At his first court appearance last month, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Theresa R. McGonigle denied Groft's request to be released on his own recognizance. She noted that he has an 'extensive criminal record.' He remains behind bars in lieu of $350,000 bail. 'What took years to grow only took minutes to destroy,' District Attorney Nathan Hochman said in a statement after the case was filed last month. 'Trees not only provide shade and comfort but nourish those who live and work in our communities. Selfish and senseless acts that strip away a vital piece of our ecosystem are profoundly disturbing and my office will prosecute anyone who engages in such criminal conduct to the fullest extent of the law.' City Councilwoman Ysabel Jurado, who represents downtown neighborhoods, highlighted the way in which residents came together in the aftermath of what she described as a 'random act of violence.' 'Thanks to the generosity of various community organizations and community members that have reached out ... we're replacing the trees two to one,' Jurado said. LA Conservation Corps and North East Trees will donate new trees, she said.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Yahoo
L.A. taxpayers on hook for $347K after man takes chainsaw to trees downtown
In announcing charges filed against the 44-year-old homeless man accused of cutting down trees in downtown Los Angeles, officials said the damages will cost city hundreds of thousands of dollars. In a news release from the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, prosecutors say that in a five-day span, from April 14-19, Samuel Groft cut down at least trees costing taxpayers approximately $347,000 in damages, repairs and replacements. By April 20, much of the damage was making its way onto social media as some Angelenos posted photos to Reddit and Instagram of all the felled trees downtown. Trees cut down with a chainsaw were seen in pieces at locations including 1st Street and Wilshire Boulevard, Olympic Boulevard and Hope Street, Olympic Boulevard and Figueroa Street, Broadway and Cesar Chavez Avenue, Grand Avenue in front of the Wells Fargo Center and Grand Avenue and 5th Street. 'That someone would do this is truly beyond comprehension,' L.A. Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement released late afternoon on Easter Sunday. Two days later, Groft was taken into custody by L.A. police, who said the chainsaw, along with other evidence of the vandalism, was in his possession at the time of his arrest. According to the DA's office, the 44-year-old, who has previous convictions for assault with a deadly weapon, burglary and vandalism, has been charged with eight counts of felony vandalism in connection with this latest incident. 'What took years to grow only took minutes to destroy,' District Attorney Nathan Hochman said. 'Trees not only provide shade and comfort but nourish those who live and work in our communities. Selfish and senseless acts that strip away a vital piece of our ecosystem are profoundly disturbing and my office will prosecute anyone who engages in such criminal conduct to the fullest extent of the law.' If convicted as charged, Groft could see a maximum sentence of six years and six months in state prison. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Yahoo
Mystery surrounds man accused of chainsawing trees across downtown L.A.
The chainsaw attack on trees in downtown Los Angeles came with multiple mysteries. One: Who did it? Two: What was the motive for such a bizarre crime? 'I have 35 years on the Los Angeles Police Department, and I have never seen anyone go and attack trees, especially around the time of Earth Day,' LAPD Cmdr. Lillian Carranza said. On Wednesday, authorities announced that Samuel Patrick Groft, 45, had been arrested on suspicion of felony vandalism,and that they had connected him to 13 downed trees in five locations across the city. He was arrested on Earth Day, which was Tuesday. He has an extensive criminal history, according to law enforcement sources, and once posted on social media that he believed his mind was being controlled by "electronic weapons." Groft could not be reached for comment. The felling of at least 13 trees on public sidewalks over more than a week has sparked outrage across the city, with some suggesting the wanton vandalism marked a new low for a city that has been struggling with manifold social and economic crises. On social media sites, some indignant residents speculated that the acts were committed by unscrupulous developers who "wanted the trees gone" or were orchestrated secretly by the City of Los Angeles. When surveillance images of a bald and goateed suspect dressed in black and pedaling a BMX-style bicycle, toting a dark backpack and large duffel bag, were released by the Los Angeles Police Department, many wondered what could move a person to attack city trees. Groft, who law enforcement sources say bears a tattoo of the Roman numerals 666 on the back of his head, was taken into custody at a homeless encampment on Sunset Boulevard and Custer Avenue in Chinatown. Groft was in possession of a chainsaw when he was arrested, police said Wednesday. He has previously been convicted of and served time for assault with a deadly weapon, driving under the influence, felony vandalism and a hit-and-run, according to court records. LAPD officials declined to comment further on his criminal history, but detectives said they were aware of him from prior cases. One person who spends time in the neighborhood where Groft was taken into custody told The Times they had seen the suspect using a chainsaw on a metal pole. 'There was sparks and s— flying everywhere,' said the person, who asked to remain anonymous for safety reasons. 'That ain't normal.' In 2023, Groft told a student journalist from Cal State L.A. that he'd been living on the streets for several years, ever since he had completed a mental health court diversion program, which provides residential mental health treatment to people facing jail time as an alternative to incarceration. LAPD officials declined to comment on whether Groft was currently dealing with mental illness or substance abuse. They also declined to share any possible motive for the tree cuttings. A LinkedIn account that bears Groft's name and photograph includes a signed 2017 letter that states, "I have been constantly followed slandered and even mind controlled through electronic weapons which are trying to lure me into a massive setup of some sort." Groft is accused of severing the first tree trunk on April 13 and the most recent on Tuesday, the day he was arrested, police said. Detectives said they are still confirming the exact dates and times of all the incidents, but said some occurred in broad daylight and others in the middle of the night. One tree was cut in the 500 block of North Broadway; three were sawed near 1550 W. 8th St.; five were downed near 350 S. Grand Ave.; three were cut near 717 W. Temple St.; and one was taken out near 300 Treadwell St., according to LAPD officials. Additional locations of fallen trees are still being investigated. Many people who live near the affected trees brought up not only their safety concerns after the incident, but also the environmental loss of important shade, stormwater management and habitat. L.A. Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement that the situation is 'truly beyond comprehension' and that public works crews are working to replace the trees as soon as possible. Trees provide many benefits to urban areas. They clean the air, replenish the groundwater, capture stormwater runoff, slow the deterioration of streets and have been shown to reduce crime. Times staff writers Clara Harter and David Zahniser contributed to this report. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles Times
24-04-2025
- Los Angeles Times
What we know about the man accused of chainsawing downtown L.A. trees in bizarre attack
The chainsaw attack on trees in downtown Los Angeles had multiple mysteries. One: Who did it? Two: What was the motive for such a bizarre crime. 'I have 35 years on the Los Angeles Police Department, and I have never seen anyone go and attack trees, especially around the time of Earth Day,' LAPD Cmdr. Lillian Carranza. On Wednesday, authorities announced that Samuel Patrick Groft, 45, had been arrested on suspicion of felony vandalism,and that they had connected him to 13 downed trees in five locations across the city. He was arrested on Earth Day, which was Tuesday. He has an extensive criminal history, according to law enforcement sources, and once posted on social media that he believed his mind was being controlled by 'electronic weapons.' Groft could not be reached for comment. The felling of at least 13 trees on public sidewalks over more than a week has sparked outrage across the city, with some suggesting the wanton vandalism marked a new low for a city that has been struggling with manifold social and economic crises. On social media sites, some indignant city residents speculated wildly that the acts were committed by unscrupulous developers who 'wanted the trees gone' or were orchestrated secretly by the City of Los Angeles. When surveillance images of a bald and goateed suspect dressed in black and pedaling a BMX-style bicycle while also toting a dark backpack and large duffel bag were released by the Los Angeles Police Department this week, many wondered what could move a person to attack city trees. The stern faced suspect was described as standing 6-feet 4-inches tall and weighing 230 pounds. 'Use caution and do not approach,' LAPD community alerts warned. Groft, who law enforcement sources say bears a tattoo of the Roman numerals 666 on the back of his head, was taken into custody at a homeless encampment on Sunset Boulevard and Custer Avenue in Chinatown. Groft was found in possession of a chain saw when he was arrested, police said Wednesday. He has previously been convicted of and served time for assault with a deadly weapon, driving under the influence, felony vandalism and a hit-and-run, according to court records. LAPD officials declined to comment further on his criminal history, but detectives said they were aware of him from prior cases. One person who spends time in the neighborhood where Groft was taken into custody told The Times they had seen the suspect using a chain saw on a metal pole. 'There was sparks and s— flying everywhere,' said the person, who asked to remain anonymous for safety reasons. 'That ain't normal.' In 2023, Groft told a student journalist from Cal State L.A. that he'd been living on the streets for several years, ever since he had completed a mental health court diversion program, which provides residential mental health treatment to people facing jail time as an alternative to incarceration. LAPD officials declined to comment on whether Groft was currently dealing with mental illness or substance abuse. They also declined to share any possible motive for the tree cuttings. A linked In account that bears Groft's name and photograph includes a signed 2017 letter that states 'I have been constantly followed slandered and even mind controlled through electronic weapons which are trying to lure me into a massive setup of some sort.' Groft is accused of severing the first tree trunk on April 13 and his most recent on Tuesday, the day he was arrested, police said. Detectives said they are still confirming the exact dates and times of all the incidents, but said some occurred in broad daylight and others in the middle of the night. One tree was cut in the 500 block of North Broadway; three were sawed near 1550 W. 8th St.; five were downed near 350 S. Grand Ave.; three were cut near 717 W. Temple St.; and one was taken out near 300 Treadwell St., according to LAPD officials. Additional locations of fallen trees are still being investigated. Many people who live near the affected trees brought up not only their safety concerns after the incident, but also the major environmental loss of important shade, stormwater management and habitat. L.A. Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement that the situation is 'truly beyond comprehension' and that public works crews are working to replace the trees as soon as possible. Trees provide many benefits to urban areas. They clean the air, replenish the groundwater, capture stormwater runoff, slow the deterioration of streets and have been shown to reduce crime. Staff Writers Clara Harter and David Zahniser contributed to this report.
Metro
24-04-2025
- Metro
Chainsaw-wielding man goes on strange spree killing trees worth $347,000
A man allegedly used a chainsaw to cut down numerous trees and cause $347,000 in damage in an inexplicable killing spree culminating on Earth Day. Samuel Patrick Groft, 45, 'used a chain saw to cut down numerous city trees' in Downtown Los Angeles, the Glassell Park and the Westlake District, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. Groft is accused of chopping trees around 12am on Thursday on North Broadway Avenue, around 3.40pm on Friday on West 8th Street, around 1.20am on Saturday on South Grand Avenue and around 2pm on Tuesday on Treadwell Street in Southern California. Photos shared by the police department showed a tree on a sidewalk cut down and fallen on an urban street, and chopped stump with its branches and leaves on the ground. A total of 11 trees were killed. A police estimate of $347,000 to replace the trees did not include three more that were found destroyed, KABC reported. Cops found and arrested Groft around 4.30pm on Tuesday near Custer Avenue and West Sunset Boulevard. 'I have never seen anyone go and attack trees, especially around the time of Earth Day,' stated police Commander Lilian Carranza on Wednesday. 'Everybody wanted to know who did it and why. We know the who. The why will be part of the investigation.' Groft, of Los Angeles, has been charged with felony vandalism and his bond has been set at $150,000. He had a tattoo on the left side of his neck and gave a blank expression in his mugshot released by detectives who believe he 'may be responsible for additional unreported crimes'. 'That someone would do this is truly beyond comprehension,' stated Mayor Karen Bass More Trending 'City public works crews are assessing the damage and we will be making plans to quickly replace these damaged trees.' Earlier, police had released two images of the suspect wearing dark clothing and carrying a backpack and duffel bag while riding a bicycle. He was described as 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds. 'Use caution and do not approach,' stated a police department community alert. Anyone with information on the crime is urged to contact the police department. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Woman 'illegally aborted baby then took foetus to hospital in a backpack' MORE: Footballer Lucas Akins jailed for killing cyclist in crash while driving his children MORE: Fake paramedic raped and sexually assaulted women he met on Tinder
