“Is this PODS company criminally liable for their “smash and run” destruction?”

“Dear PoPville,

On the north side of the 1200 block of Girard Street NW. The PODS company made three separate trips to their “Pod” to try to collect it and to inflict the catastrophic damage to this tree. When confronted, the driver of the truck just got in his vehicle and drove off.

I have included photos of the damage all around the “pod” and the contact info for the person who obtained a public space permit for the “pod” in the first place.

I have reached out to DC’s Urban Forestry to come out right away to try to cut away the damaged limbs and save this tree.

But what about this company and their cavalier destruction of city property and an undeniable public good like a young and growing street tree? Is this PODS company criminally liable for their “smash and run” destruction?

At a minimum they should compensate the city for this horrible damage. DDOT and DCRA should weigh whether they should be entitled to operate in the city – unless they post a bond for this kind of damage?”