Police: ‘Brighton Tree Ninja’ Arrested
Do ninjas carry hammers?
Boston Police detectives said they arrested a man Friday who they observed hitting a tree in Brighton with a hammer, during a weeks-long surveillance operation to identify and arrest the so-called “Brighton Tree Ninja.’’
That individual or individuals — police continue to investigate — have been chopping down or damaging trees beyond repair in Brighton for years, according to police.
Investigators staked out at the Brighton Elks Club said they saw Joseph Rizza, 65, of Brighton approach a nearby tree and begin to chop it down.
Rizza was charged with five counts of willful and malicious destruction of property and dangerous weapon unlawful to carry, police said.
Rizza also faces charges related to damaging another tree last month, prompting a Suffolk County District judge to revoke his bail in that case, which resulted in 60 days of jail. He was also held on $7,000 bail in this new case.
He’s due back in court May 19.
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