Latest news with #SamuelPatrickGroft
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Yahoo
Man faces more than 15 years in prison after chainsaw rampage destroys $350,000 worth of trees: 'Profoundly disturbing'
A man is facing several charges after being accused of illegally cutting down several trees in the Los Angeles area, per The Washington Times. According to a press release from the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, Samuel Patrick Groft used a chainsaw to chop down eight trees in downtown L.A. Police say that surveillance footage revealed the alleged suspect, who was spotted wearing all black and riding a BMX-style bike. Groft has been charged with eight felony counts of vandalism that caused nearly $350,000 worth of damage. If found guilty, he faces more than 15 years in state prison. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman emphasized the significance of the alleged crimes. "What took years to grow only took minutes to destroy," Hochman said in the press release. "Trees not only provide shade and comfort but nourish those who live and work in our communities," he added. "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." For residents who live in urban areas, trees can improve air quality, reduce heat and help manage stormwater. In addition, trees can also offer numerous health benefits. It has long been noted that trees can potentially boost mental health and even lead to cardiovascular improvements. During a press conference on April 24, Los Angeles Councilmember Ysabel Jurado admonished the destruction of the trees. "Over the weekend, downtown L.A. suffered from an unconscionable act of vandalism when someone cut down several trees in the public right-of-way," Jurado said. "For many of our downtown L.A. residents, the public right-of-way is their front yard, it is their backyard. So the loss of these trees is personal," Jurado added. Jurado then explained that the city would quickly act to replace two trees for every one that had been cut down. "No one could have foreseen this random act of violence. But here's the thing about downtown L.A. and this community: It's resilient, it's dynamic, and it's ever-evolving," Jurado said. "And this is not the first time the community here in downtown L.A. has put their hands together to fix the problems and make their own solutions." Do you think the government should ban gas-powered lawn tools? No way Definitely Only certain tools I don't know Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
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
