Introduction to the Case
A man accused of using a chainsaw to cut down 13 trees — primarily in downtown Los Angeles — was ordered Thursday to stand trial on nearly a dozen vandalism charges. Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge George G. Lomeli reduced two of the 11 felony counts against Samuel Patrick Groft to misdemeanor charges, agreeing with defense attorney Julieta Flores’ argument that the prosecution had not proven that there was more than $400 in damage to the four trees involved in those two counts that were added to the case Wednesday.
Details of the Incident
Groft said, “something about, ‘You’re arresting me on Earth Day’” and told police, “I love trees. I love bark. I’m an arborist,” according to Los Angeles Police Department Detective Jose Hidalgo, who was among a team of officers who arrested the defendant April 22 at an encampment in the area of Custer Avenue and Sunset Boulevard, adjacent to the 101 and 110 freeways in downtown Los Angeles. A chainsaw that was originally red but had been spray-painted black was recovered at the scene, along with other items, including a bicycle, a baseball cap and the chainsaw box that were seen in surveillance video footage, the detective testified.
Extent of the Damage
An umbrella shades the spot where a tree once stood on Monday, April 21, 2025. Several trees in downtown Los Angeles were cut down this past weekend, apparently by chainsaw-wielding vandals. Three trees were cut down on Grand Avenue across from Wells Fargo Center. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Authorities estimated last month that there was nearly $350,000 in damages. David Miranda, a street tree superintendent for the city of Los Angeles, testified that he estimated damage at just under $175,000 for trees that had been located on city-owned property, but said he did not do an assessment of replacement costs involving all of the trees — some of which he said were on private property.
Investigation and Evidence
LAPD Detective Roberto Gutierrez testified Wednesday that he was told by a woman that three juniper trees reported to cost about $10,000 each were cut down April 14 in front of her business in the 700 block of West Temple Street. He said the woman provided surveillance video footage showing the suspect holding a chainsaw and cutting down trees while wearing black gloves. The charges involve 13 trees that were cut between April 13 and April 19, including one that had a limb chopped off in broad daylight.
Arrest and Trial
Los Angeles Police Detective Ryan Watterson — who said he was investigating a tip regarding a tree being vandalized on the afternoon of April 13 on the east side of Avenue 26 near Figueroa Street — testified that he determined a chainsaw seen on surveillance video footage was sold exclusively by Harbor Freight. He noted that surveillance video footage from the store showed the suspect paying for the chainsaw at the nearby Harbor Freight store and that Groft’s name was on a receipt that day from the store. LAPD Officer Manuel Rojas told the judge he responded April 19 to a call about damaged trees at 350 S. Grand Ave. and “saw three trees cut down and laying on the street.”
Community Response
City Councilwoman Ysabel Jurado, who represents downtown neighborhoods, highlighted the way in which residents came together in the aftermath of what she described as a “random act of violence.” “Thanks to the generosity of various community organizations and community members that have reached out … we’re replacing the trees two to one,” Jurado said. LA Conservation Corps and North East Trees will donate new trees, she said.
Conclusion
The case of Samuel Patrick Groft, who allegedly used a chainsaw to fell 13 trees in the downtown LA area, has been ordered to stand trial on nearly a dozen vandalism charges. The incident has caused significant damage, estimated to be nearly $350,000, and has sparked a community response to replace the trees. The prosecution will continue to pursue the case, with the defendant remaining behind bars in lieu of $350,000 bail.
FAQs
Q: How many trees were cut down in the incident?
A: 13 trees were cut down between April 13 and April 19.
Q: What is the estimated damage from the incident?
A: The estimated damage is nearly $350,000.
Q: What is the status of the defendant?
A: The defendant, Samuel Patrick Groft, has been ordered to stand trial on nearly a dozen vandalism charges and remains behind bars in lieu of $350,000 bail.
Q: How is the community responding to the incident?
A: The community is coming together to replace the trees, with LA Conservation Corps and North East Trees donating new trees.
