Chainsaw-wielding cyclist topples city trees in Los Angeles, California cops say

A man accused of using a chainsaw to chop down several city trees in Los Angeles neighborhoods has been arrested, California police reported.

Samuel Patrick Groft, 45, was spotted on a bicycle toppling trees in the downtown Los Angeles area between April 17 and April 22, police said in an April 22 news release.

Detectives arrested him on a charge of felony vandalism, police said.

“That someone would do this is truly beyond comprehension,” Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement to KABC.

Some street trees were cut down at the base, while others were cut several feet above the pavement, the Los Angeles Times reported.

City crews have begun removing downed trees, which will be replaced, officials told KTLA.

Police ask anyone with information to call 213-484-3490.

This story was originally published April 23, 2025 at 12:46 PM with the headline "Chainsaw-wielding cyclist topples city trees in Los Angeles, California cops say."