Los Angeles police arrest a suspect in the chain saw massacre of city trees

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles police say they have arrested a man who used a chain saw to cut down large trees in at least three neighborhoods around the city.

Outraged residents began reporting the destruction last Friday afternoon. Photos posted online showed multiple mature trees toppled onto downtown sidewalks, and at least one fell onto a street.

The LAPD said “numerous” trees, many with wide trunks, were felled at city-owned property on at least four blocks, and detectives were investigating other possible locations.

A number appeared to be towering ficus trees, most of them in flat urban areas with expanses of concrete where they were the only greenery and provided much-needed shade.

On Tuesday, police released a photo of a suspect on a bicycle wearing dark clothing and carrying two bags. A community alert described him as a man in his 40s.

Hours later, police announced an arrest, saying a 45-year-old man had been taken into custody on suspicion of felony vandalism and that "detectives located evidence linking him to the crimes.” There was no information about a possible motive.

A message was sent to the LA Public Defender's Office inquiring if one of its attorneys was representing the man and could speak on his behalf.

In a statement, the office of Mayor Karen Bass called the carnage “truly beyond comprehension.”

“City public works crews are assessing the damage and we will be making plans to quickly replace these damaged trees,” the statement said.