Samuel Patrick Groft, 44, was arrested for allegedly cutting down 13 trees in downtown Los Angeles over a week-long spree. The vandalism largely went unnoticed until several trees were reported down, which triggered public outrage and support for police investigations. Tips and surveillance footage helped track the suspect, who was found with a spray-painted chainsaw. Damages are estimated to exceed $170,000 for six trees alone. Groft has pleaded not guilty to felony vandalism, but charges against him may be reduced due to insufficient evidence of damage.
"The outrage and shock over the vandalism helped draw a slew of tips, including surveillance video evidence, that police would ultimately use to piece together the confusing case of the city's tree cutter."
"On April 21, police arrested 44-year-old Samuel Patrick Groft, finding him in possession of a spray-painted, electric chainsaw, effectively linking him to the destruction of downtown trees."
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