Tesla vandalism is on the rise, with incidents escalating from minor scratches and dents to severe damage caused by arson and intentional collisions. Increasingly, Tesla’s Sentry Mode cameras are capturing these shocking acts, often revealing the destruction of vehicles parked in both public spaces and private driveways.
From key scratches to outright destruction, vandals frequently record their bold and reckless acts on video, often captured by Tesla’s Sentry Mode cameras. These recordings highlight the alarming rise in attacks on electric vehicles. Below are the 10 most recent Tesla vandalism cases caught on tape, illustrating the growing threat to Tesla owners.
1. Man Caught on Camera Vandalizing Tesla at Mississippi Walmart
Osvaldo Torres-Rodriguez, a 63-year-old man, used wire cutters to scratch the hood and side of a Tesla, leaving deep gouges in the paint. The incident occurred in Brookhaven, Mississippi, and Torres-Rodriguez fled the scene before police arrived. Authorities later identified and tracked him down using surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts. Read more here.
2.Tesla Vandalism Incident at Houston Whole Foods
Nicholas Carrion scratched the entire side of a Tesla Model 3 in a fit of road rage after being cut off on the interstate. Significantly, the car’s Sentry Mode cameras captured the incident, clearly showing Carrion deliberately dragging a key along the vehicle’s length. When confronted with the footage, he admitted his actions were impulsive and emphasized that they were not politically motivated.. Read more here.
3. Masked Vandal Smashes Tesla Cybertruck in California Driveway
In Novato, California, a masked individual approached a parked Tesla Cybertruck in a residential driveway. The vandal used a concrete block to shatter the windshield, then proceeded to slash the vehicle’s tires. Before leaving, the perpetrator left a note stating, “Replace all tires, unsafe to drive.” Read more here
4. Man Rams Teslas with 4-Wheeler in Texarkana Parking Lots
In a destructive rampage, a man on a mini ATV deliberately rammed into several Teslas parked across various lots in Texarkana, Texas. During one of the incidents, a vehicle’s Sentry Mode captured the man carving the word “Elon” into the side panel before continuing his spree. As a result, multiple cars were left with deep scratches and dents, significantly damaging their exteriors.. Read more here
5. Tesla Keyed in San Jose Costco Parking Lot (Suspect Arrested)
Local authorities arrested a man after Sentry Mode cameras caught him keying a Tesla Model 3 at a Costco in San Jose, California. The footage clearly showed his face and actions as he walked past the car, leading to his swift identification and arrest.
6. Vandal Spray-Paints Tesla in Berkeley Parking Lot
A Tesla owner in Berkeley, California, returned to find their car covered in yellow and blue spray-painted squiggles. The car’s Sentry Mode cameras captured the vandal in action, showing how quickly they defaced the vehicle. The damage mainly affected the paint, but the owner had to undergo extensive cleaning and repainting to restore the car’s original look. Read more here
7. Tesla Keyed All Over Outside Wichita Restaurant
In Wichita, Kansas, a family’s night out turned sour when they returned to their Tesla to find it covered in deep scratches. Sentry Mode footage showed the suspect walking around the vehicle, repeatedly keying it. The total damage was estimated at $7,000.
8. Cybertruck Keyed at New Hampshire Resort
A masked man keyed a Tesla Cybertruck parked at the Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. Surveillance video captured the act, showing the suspect damaging the vehicle’s exterior paint. However, it was significant enough to necessitate the complete replacement and repainting of the affected panel.
9. Multiple Teslas Torched in Las Vegas Molotov Cocktail Attack
In a disturbing act of arson, someone deliberately set multiple Teslas on fire at a Tesla Collision Center in Las Vegas. As a result, the damage was extensive, with both paint and body panels severely affected by the blaze. Consequently, the attack rendered the cars inoperable, requiring complete overhauls of the damaged sections to restore them to working condition. Read more here.
10. Arsonists Set Fire to Tesla Dealership Cars in Atlanta
On March 31, 2025, a fire suddenly erupted at a Tesla dealership on the outskirts of Rome, ultimately destroying 16 Tesla electric vehicles. As a result, Italian authorities are now investigating the incident as a possible case of arson and are actively exploring potential links to anarchist groups. Meanwhile, Tesla Italy is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation and has promptly provided surveillance footage from the vehicles’ internal cameras, which, notably, remain operational even when the cars are turned off. Read more here
Investigations and Owner Safety
Tesla vandalism incidents continue to rise, compelling law enforcement agencies to take swift and decisive action. As a result, the FBI has formed a dedicated task force to address the surge of attacks on Tesla vehicles and properties across the United States. In several high-profile cases, authorities have already apprehended suspects like Cooper Jo Frederick and Paul Hyon Kim, charging them with serious offenses, including arson and vandalism.
As these incidents escalate, Tesla owners feel increasingly concerned about their safety, especially after cases where vandals deliberately set cars on fire or targeted them in public spaces. Authorities urge owners to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately.
Sources: The Guardian, Business Insider, AP News
These acts not only impose financial burdens but also make Tesla owners feel vulnerable. Choosing a certified collision repair center ensures safe and accurate repairs.
Why Choose Certified Repairs
Repairing vandalism damage on Tesla vehicles demands specialized knowledge and equipment. Consequently, at Premier Coach Auto Collision, our certified technicians follow factory-approved procedures to ensure your vehicle’s safety and performance. In addition, we possess the expertise to tackle Tesla-specific repair challenges, including precision paint matching and structural damage repair.
Our comprehensive vandalism repair services include:
- Dent Removal and Scratch Repair: Ideal for minor dents, dings, and surface scratches.
- Full Collision Repair: Addressing structural damage and frame realignment.
- Certified Paint Matching and Repainting: Help repair your Teslas to factory finish with seamless paint blending.
- Windshield and Auto Glass Replacement: Maintaining visibility and structural integrity.
- OEM Parts Replacement: Upholding factory standards with genuine Tesla parts.
With locations in Thousand Oaks and Camarillo, Premier Coach Auto Collision uses state-of-the-art technology and certified expertise to handle all levels of damage.
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