83-Year-Old Man Charged
for Cutting Rings on Trees
Erie police have charged an 83-year-old man with cutting rings around the trunks of two large trees at the foot of Liberty Street.
Police say the trees partially obstructed the view of the bayfront from property owned by Paul Brugger.
Brugger’s lawyer told investigators her client would turn himself in Wednesday. He is accused of two felony counts of criminal mischief.
The walnut trees, which belong to the city, were valued at $15,000. A charge of criminal mischief is elevated to a felony if damage exceeds $5,000.
Arborists said the trees will likely die within a few years from the damage, called “girdling.” Slicing a ring around the base of the trees cuts off its nutrients.
Police say the trees partially obstructed the view of the bayfront from property owned by Paul Brugger.
Brugger’s lawyer told investigators her client would turn himself in Wednesday. He is accused of two felony counts of criminal mischief.
The walnut trees, which belong to the city, were valued at $15,000. A charge of criminal mischief is elevated to a felony if damage exceeds $5,000.
Arborists said the trees will likely die within a few years from the damage, called “girdling.” Slicing a ring around the base of the trees cuts off its nutrients.
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