San José's peace was shattered last week when a man, later identified by police, ripped through the heart of a local community by viciously vandalizing newly planted trees. San José Police Media Relations reported that on May 17, around 4:55 pm, officers rushed to the 200 block of Willow Street after receiving a report of the crime.
These trees, 26 in number, were not just saplings but symbols of growth and unity, having been planted by the community only a week before at a celebration for Calle Willow. The destruction, captured on surveillance cameras, showed the male suspect in the act of mauling the trees planted earlier that morning. Spotted by a patrolling officer at about 8:27 pm, the suspect was apprehended, carrying the extra weight of an out-of-county warrant. The police laid their hands on him without incident.
"Officers were able to positively identify the suspect," stated the San José Police, praising the "Outstanding job by Western Division patrol Officers!" The swift capture highlights both the efficiency of the department's surveillance operations and the commitment of officers on most nights to keep the streets safe for residents and their foliage alike.
On May 17, 2024, at about 4:55pm, Officers responded to a report of a vandalism that occurred in the 200 block of Willow Street in San Jose. Upon arrival, Officers discovered that twenty-six newly planted trees for the Calle Willow community had been damaged earlier that morning.… pic.twitter.com/0pBvnt2rWv
— San José Police Media Relations (@SJPD_PIO) May 23, 2024
The suspect, whose identity remains undisclosed, was booked into jail and charged with the heartless crime of damaging trees.
