The man accused of hacking down more than 10 trees with a chainsaw in downtown Los Angeles and areas nearby, has been charged with eight counts of felony vandalism.Samuel Patrick Groft, 44 was arrested Tuesday for the alleged crimes and is expected to appear in court Thursday afternoon.

April 24, 2025 – Los Angeles, CA – Los Angeles Police Department officials report the Rampart Division Burglary detectives announce the arrest of a felony vandalism suspect who used a chainsaw to cut down numerous city trees in the areas of Downtown Los Angeles, the Westlake District, and Glassell Park.

The man suspected of cutting down several trees in downtown Los Angeles was arrested on Tuesday, the Los Angeles Police Department said in a press release on Tuesday.