This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
West Jordan police have arrested a 24-year-old man believed responsible for a string of tree vandalisms.
On Sunday, officers were dispatched to the Willow Cove Apartments, located at 9300 S. Redwood Road, on a report of a male who was acting suspiciously.
When officers contacted the man, Wesley James Pettis, of West Jordan, they noted that he closely resembled the description of the person suspected in a recent string of tree vandalisms, according to a police department news release.
Through interviews and evidence collected, officers were able to positively link Pettis to four of the damaged trees, and he is suspected of being responsible for others as well, the news release said.
Since July 24, more than 60 trees in the area of 2200 West from 7800 South to 9000 South — including Veterans Memorial Park — have been deliberately damaged. Many of the trees were damaged so severely that they will need to be replaced.
Last week, the police department offered a $750 reward for help from the public in locating those responsible for what was deemed to be $40,000 in damage to trees.
Police said Monday they had received numerous tips and investigative leads from the public, which were crucial in identifying and locating Pettis.
A search of Utah court records shows Pettis was charged in June with class B misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, and in August with class C misdemeanor intoxication. Both cases are pending resolution.