Suspect Arrested for Felony Vandalism of City Trees 

April 24, 2025 – Los Angeles, CA – Los Angeles Police Department officials report the Rampart Division Burglary detectives announce the arrest of a felony vandalism suspect who used a chainsaw to cut down numerous city trees in the areas of Downtown Los Angeles, the Westlake District, and Glassell Park.

Detectives have identified 45-year-old Samuel Patrick Groft as the suspect responsible for cutting numerous city trees at the following dates, times, and locations:

April 17, 2025, around 12:00 a.m. 500 block of North Broadway Avenue, Central Area.

April 18, 2025, around 3:40 p.m., 1500 block of West 8th Street, Rampart Area.

April 19, 2025, around 1:20 a.m., in the 350 block of South Grand Avenue, Central Area.

April 22, 2025, around 2:00 p.m., in the 300 block of Treadwell Street, Northeast Area.

On April 22, 2025, around 4:30 p.m., LAPD Rampart Detectives located and arrested Groft in the area of Custer Avenue and West Sunset Boulevard. Detectives located evidence linking him to the crimes.

Goft was arrested for 594(A) PC – Felony Vandalism, Booking Number 7002769. He is a resident of Los Angeles.

Detectives are releasing the suspect’s photo seeking additional victims as they believe the suspect may be responsible for additional unreported crimes.

Suspect during the commission of the crime

Anyone with information about this crime or these types of incidents is asked to call the LAPD Rampart Burglary Theft Detectives at (213) 484-3490. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.

Source & photos: Los Angeles Police Department