A homeless man claiming to be an “arborist” faces six-and-a-half years in prison after destroying $350,000 worth of trees in downtown Los Angeles during a chainsaw rampage.
Key Takeaways
- Samuel Patrick Groft, 44, was ordered to stand trial for cutting down 13 trees across downtown Los Angeles over seven days, causing nearly $350,000 in damage.
- Groft faces nine felony vandalism charges and two misdemeanors, with bail set at $350,000 due to his extensive criminal record.
- Despite claiming to be an “arborist” who “loves trees,” Groft was arrested with the spray-painted chainsaw used in the destruction.
- If convicted, Groft faces up to six-and-a-half years in state prison for the tree destruction that largely went unnoticed until April 19.
- City officials have committed to a two-for-one tree replacement program with help from local conservation organizations.
Chainsaw Rampage Devastates Downtown LA
A chainsaw-wielding homeless man systematically destroyed 13 mature trees in downtown Los Angeles over seven days in April, causing environmental damage that prosecutors value at nearly $350,000. Samuel Patrick Groft, 44, was arrested on April 22 after authorities tracked him to a homeless encampment where they found him with a spray-painted electric chainsaw matching the one used in the destruction. Judge George Lomeli has now ordered Groft to stand trial on nine felony counts of vandalism and two misdemeanors related to the destruction.
The tree-cutting spree began on April 13 but went largely unnoticed until April 19, when three large trees were discovered cut down on South Grand Avenue. The vandalism targeted various species, including Chinese elms, ficus, dragon trees, and junipers – some of which had taken decades to reach maturity. The damage to just six of the trees was estimated at over $170,000, with the total environmental impact approaching $350,000. In California, vandalism exceeding $400 in damages qualifies as a felony.
Surveillance and Public Tips Lead to Arrest
Authorities utilized surveillance footage and tips from concerned citizens to track down Groft, who was located at a homeless encampment. “We went to one of the locations over at Custer and Sunset. Once we got there, we found him there with the evidence, the same clothing, bicycle, and the chainsaw,” said Detective Michael Pineda of the Los Angeles Police Department.
When officers apprehended Groft on April 22 – Earth Day – he reportedly made bizarre statements about the timing of his arrest. According to court testimony, Groft said “something about you’re arresting me on Earth Day” and then contradictorily claimed, “I love trees. I love bark. I’m an arborist.”
Criminal Record Keeps Suspect Behind Bars
The court has denied Groft’s release on his recognizance, citing his “extensive criminal record.” He remains jailed with bail set at $350,000 – nearly matching the dollar amount of environmental destruction he allegedly caused. If convicted on all charges, Groft faces up to six and a half years in state prison. The judge determined there is “probable cause and a strong suspicion that the conduct involved this defendant, said Mr. Samuel Groft.”
“What took years to grow only took minutes to destroy,” said District Attorney Nathan Hochman, emphasizing the environmental impact of the crime.
Los Angeles officials have already begun planning the restoration of the urban tree canopy damaged by this senseless act. City Councilwoman Ysabel Jurado has announced community efforts to replace the trees, with new saplings being donated by LA Conservation Corps and Northeast Trees. The city has committed to planting two trees for each one destroyed, although it will take decades for the replacements to match the size and environmental benefits of those that were cut down.
