(Thechieftainspear) – A 44-year-old homeless man has been charged with felony vandalism after allegedly cutting down several trees in downtown Los Angeles, causing significant damage. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced that Samuel Groft is accused of destroying at least eight trees between April 14 and April 19, resulting in an estimated $347,000 in costs for repairs and replacements.
The incident quickly garnered attention, with images of the felled trees circulating on social media platforms such as Reddit and Instagram, showing the destruction across various downtown locations, including intersections at 1st Street and Wilshire Boulevard, Olympic Boulevard and Hope Street, and Grand Avenue in front of the Wells Fargo Center.
“This senseless act is truly hard to comprehend,” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass commented in a statement, expressing her shock at the destruction of these valuable community resources.
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Groft, who has a criminal history including previous convictions for assault with a deadly weapon, burglary, and vandalism, was arrested by L.A. police on April 22. Authorities reported that they found a chainsaw and other evidence linking him to the crime when taking him into custody.
District Attorney Nathan Hochman condemned the act, emphasizing the importance of trees in urban environments. “The destruction of these trees is a loss not only for our city’s environment but also for the community that relies on these green spaces for comfort and shade,” Hochman said. “We will ensure that those responsible for such thoughtless actions are held accountable.”
If convicted, Groft could face up to six years and six months in prison. His arrest serves as a reminder of the broader impact that vandalism can have on public spaces and the environment.
