Police arrest man suspected of smashing Donald Trump's Hollywood star with sledgehammer
A man suspected of using a sledgehammer to destroy Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame has been arrested, officials said.
Jamie Otis was taken into custody on suspicion of vandalism, Los Angeles police officer Andrew Chambers said.
Otis has said that the pre-dawn attack was originally intended to remove the star. He said he wanted to auction it off to raise funds for the 11 women accusing the presidential candidate of groping them.
Mr Trump has denied the groping allegations.
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, which bestows the stars and maintains the popular tourist attraction, said it would take several days to repair Mr Trump's spot.
Otis was expected to be charged later today.
Det Meghan Aguilar said investigators were called to the scene following reports that the presidential candidate's star was struck by blows from a hammer.
A sledgehammer, construction hat and vest, and a pick were recovered nearby, police said.
Mr Trump's star was dedicated in 2007 in recognition of his work on NBC's reality TV show The Apprentice. The star is near the Dolby Theatre, where the Academy Awards are held each year.
It is at least the second time this year that Mr Trump's star has been targeted.
In July, an artist installed a miniature wall topped with razor wire and "keep out" signs in response to Mr Trump's vow to build a wall along the US-Mexico border to stem illegal immigration and drug smuggling.
