CPD asks for help identifying downtown tree vandal
The Columbia Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying a man who allegedly damaged a tree downtown late Thursday night.
CPD Tweeted the man’s photo Monday afternoon and linked to a Facebook video of the incident.
Columbia Police is seeking the assistance from the community. On the morning of Thursday Nov 16, a tree was damaged downtown. If you recognize the the person involved please reach out to CPD by calling 874-7652 or 875 TIPS to remain anonymous.https://t.co/xxT1ugIN5z pic.twitter.com/he7ZIQvVJC
— ColumbiaPD (@ColumbiaPD) November 19, 2018
“We would love to catch these guys and seek restitution for costs associated with the removal of the destroyed tree and planting of the replacement,” Director of Columbia Parks and Recreation Mike Griggs wrote in an email.
Griggs said the total cost of replacing a tree could be as much as $500.
“Most of our trees average $150 if we get them off of a bid, but it may be too late now, so it could cost $250 if we just get one off a local nursery lot,” Griggs wrote. “It would take about 12 hours in labor to remove and replant, so that’s another $250-ish. There is also the cost associated with time spent watering that tree for the first couple of years.”
Anyone with information on the person involved is asked to reach out to CPD by calling 573-874-7652 or Crimestoppers at 573-875-TIPS to remain anonymous.
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