Police: Elusive Boston 'Tree Ninja' caught chopping down tree with a hammer

Published May 21, 2015

Boston police say they have arrested a 65-year-old man they believe is the infamous "Brighton Tree Ninja."

For several years a vandal has been damaging newly planted trees and shrubbery in the city's Brighton neighborhood. Authorities have been unable to apprehend the perpetrator.

The Boston Globe reports (http://bit.ly/1OixJLl ) that police set up surveillance near the Brighton Elks Club. Officers caught Joseph Rizza entering an empty lot and attempting to chop down a tree with a hammer.

Detectives took Rizza into custody. He is being charged with five counts of willful and malicious destruction of property, and one count of possession of a dangerous weapon.

Police are continuing to investigate Rizza in connection with several years of reports of similar incidents.

A message left with Rizza's attorney was not immediately returned.

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https://www.foxnews.com/us/police-elusive-boston-tree-ninja-caught-chopping-down-tree-with-a-hammer