SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) - A Gilbert teenager is accused of using a machete-like knife to disfigure a 150-year-old saguaro cactus at a popular Scottsdale trailhead.
Staff at Pinnacle Peak Park called police Tuesday afternoon to report the “Comforting Arm” saguaro had been damaged.
They told Scottsdale police that a young man with a large knife or machete was seen hiking up the trail near the damaged cactus.
Phoenix TV station KPHO reports (https://bit.ly/Skpbhi) reports police later found the teenage boy hiking with two adults and a machete-like knife was found in his backpack.
They say the unidentified teen admitted to cutting the cactus.
He was booked into the Scottsdale City Jail before being released into the custody of his father.
Police say the boy could be facing a felony count of criminal damage.
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Information from: KPHO-TV, https://www.kpho.com/
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