After Suspect Cut LA Trees With Chainsaw, Damages Estimated At $374,000, Officials Say

After a man was arrested this week for allegedly using a chainsaw to cuts down several city-owned trees across Los Angeles, officials on Thursday revealed the damages amounted to a whopping $374,000.

Samuel Patrick Groft, 44, was arrested Tuesday, and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office on Thursday announced he was charged with eight felony counts of vandalism.

Local residents shared photos and videos of the downed trees on social media starting last week. According to prosecutors, Groft is charged with cutting down a total of eight public trees between April 14 and April 19, across the Westlake District, Glassell Park and downtown neighborhoods of Los Angeles.

“What took years to grow only took minutes to destroy,” L.A. District Attorney Nathan Hochman said in a statement. “Trees not only provide shade and comfort but nourish those who live and work in our communities. Selfish and senseless acts that strip away a vital piece of our ecosystem are profoundly disturbing and my office will prosecute anyone who engages in such criminal conduct to the fullest extent of the law.”

According to the district attorney’s office, the total damages amounted to approximately $347,000.

Groft has previously been convicted of charges including assault with a deadly weapon, burglary and vandalism, the DA’s office said.

If convicted on all counts, Groft faces up to six years and six months in state prison.