MANKATO — An Easter morning vandalism spree caused at least $16,000 in damage to newly planted trees along Mankato’s Balcerzak Drive, with the vandal then attacking nearby Fire Station No. 3, according to the Mankato Department of Public Safety.
At 6:53 a.m. Sunday, the department received multiple reports of criminal damage to property in the area of Balcerzak Drive and Pohl Road.
“Reports indicated that many of the newly planted city trees bordering Balcerzak Drive (between Pohl Road and Monks Avenue) had been damaged,” according to a news release issued Sunday night. “Officers responded and observed upwards of 45 trees had been damaged in the area.”
The vandalism was captured on camera.
“Review of video surveillance showed a single suspect intentionally damaging the trees in the early morning hours and then leaving the area on foot. … The suspect then went to Fire Station No. 3, damaged some parking lot signage and threw a pole at the front door.”
People are asked to call police at 387-8725 if they recognize the person captured in the video or see someone who matches the images.
Until a year ago, Balcerzak Drive was a tree-lined street shaded by large ash trees. But with the emerald ash borer infestation reaching Mankato, more than 90 trees — essentially doomed by the invasive tree-killing beetle — were taken down in March of 2023 with a variety of tree species planted in their place. The young trees damaged Sunday were between Monks Avenue and Pohl Road.
“It is estimated that it will cost at least $16,000 to replace the trees,” according to the city.