Trees hacked by chainsaw-wielding vandals in DTLA

LOS ANGELES - A man is in custody after police say he carried a chainsaw and then apparently chopped down several trees in downtown Los Angeles over the weekend. 

What we know:

The attacks happened overnight Friday, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

LAPD Officer Norma Eisenman told City News Service that the suspect pulled up next ton one of the trees on a bicycle shortly before the first tree came down. Then, Eisenman said the man rode down the line, cutting down more trees as he went.

Pictures of the downed trees circulated on social media, showing the hacked trees along South Grand Avenue between First Street and Wilshire Boulevard. 

Dig deeper:

On Tuesday, the LAPD released several photos of the suspected vandal.

On Tuesday, April 22, police announced they arrested the man after a days-long search.

What they're saying:

Mayor Karen Bass issued a statement, saying, "That someone would do this is truly beyond comprehension."

"City public works crews are assessing the damage, and we will be making plans to quickly replace these damaged trees," Bass added. "LAPD has opened an investigation into what happened and those responsible must be held accountable."

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