Suspect Arrested for Defacing Donald Trump's Walk of Fame Star
A suspect has been arrested for vandalizing Donald Trump's Hollywood Walk of Fame star, according to Cory Palka, Commanding Officer for the Los Angeles Police Department, Hollywood Division.
Another officer confirmed to ABC News that the suspect's name is James Otis, the same man who told Deadline Hollywood that he was responsible for the damage.
The officer added that Otis was taken into custody this morning and should face a felony vandalism charge.
Trump's star was destroyed on Wednesday morning, and shortly afterward, Otis claimed responsibility and told Deadline that he wanted to remove it from the sidewalk. He added that his intention was to auction it off to raise funds for the women who have accused the Republican presidential nominee of sexual assault. Trump has denied their claims.
In an interview with ABC News, Hollywood Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Leron Gubler said that it would cost "thousands" to restore the star and that repair efforts were already underway. He also said that Trump's star, which he earned for his work on "The Apprentice," will not be removed.
"Once a star is installed, it becomes part of the historic fabric of the Walk of Fame. We have never removed a star in the 56-year history of the Walk of Fame," he said. "Once you remove one star, it sets a precedent and opens Pandora's box."
