Suspect Did $16K In Damage To Newly Planted MN Trees

MANKATO, MN — Police are investigating after someone in Mankato did $16,000 worth of vandalism to newly planted trees on Easter morning.

On Sunday just before 7 a.m., the Mankato Department of Public Safety responded to multiple reports of criminal damage.

Officers arriving at the scene found upwards of 45 trees had been damaged in the area.

Surveillance footage showed a single suspect intentionally damaging the trees in the early morning hours and then leaving the area on foot, police said. The trees will need to be replaced.

The suspect then went to a fire station, damaged some parking lot signage, and threw a pole at the front door, according to investigators.

Anyone with information is asked to call (507) 387-8725.