A man damaged trees in a St. Paul park, snapping them in half and causing thousands of dollars in damage, according to police.

Witnesses called police to Eastside Heritage Park at 3 p.m. Wednesday and officers found that 10 balsam poplar trees along the park’s walking path near Phalen Boulevard were broken in half. One accolade elm tree in the median on Phalen Boulevard also was damaged, according to Brad Meyer, St. Paul Parks and Recreation spokesman.

The suspect, who witnesses believed was homeless, was last seen walking under the Payne Avenue bridge, according to Sgt. Mike Ernster, a St. Paul police spokesman. Officers found a man who matched the description, but one witness could not tell whether he was the suspect and another witness couldn’t get back to the area, Ernster said. Police continue to investigate.

Related Articles Minneapolis boy charged in shooting death of campaign worker

Family seeks justice for 26-year-old killed by hit-run driver in Maplewood, offers $25K reward

Scammer returned to take money by force, Bloomington police say

Minneapolis man accused of smuggling heroin into Hennepin County jail

After man sentenced to 40 years in St. Paul murder, courthouse locked down and shots fired nearby The trees were planted in 2015. A Parks and Rec urban forester had noted earlier in the summer that they were “just starting to really take off,” Meyer said.

The cost to replace the trees will be more than $3,000, Meyer said.

“If the police are able to apprehend who did this, we’ll pursue full restitution,” Meyer said in an email. “Current plan is to replant regardless, but won’t be until at least next year at the earliest.”