(Oroville, CA) – An Oroville man has been arrested and charged with felony vandalism for destroying several trees with a machete in Riverbend Park.

Several other park-goers reportedly tried to talk 31-year-old Charlie Hipes Jr. out of his destructive behavior as they witnessed the destruction, at around 9:30 the morning of Thursday, May 2nd, however, he continued. Seven trees were severely damaged, likely killed, including one hacked down completely.

The D.A. tells Action News the trees are 6-year-old London Planes, each about 5 inches in dimeter, that will cost $2,500 to replace.

Hipes faces 3 years if convicted.