A man in Salem was arrested Tuesday after two attacks on a Tesla dealership. The damage is estimated at $500,000.
Molotov Cocktails Thrown at Dealership
On January 20, at about 3:45 a.m., police responded to reports of Molotov cocktails thrown at the Tesla dealership at 2755 Mission St. SE.
Officers found fires on the sidewalk and in the back of a vehicle. A witness saw someone throw five or six objects.
Surveillance footage showed a vehicle linked to the suspect. The video captured him throwing a Molotov cocktail at a truck, but it bounced off and did not ignite. The suspect also threw a rock through a dealership window.
Before leaving, he pointed what looked like an AR-15-style rifle at the witness.
Tesla reported seven damaged vehicles, with one destroyed. Investigators found the suspect’s fingerprints on some of the glass bottles used for the Molotov cocktails.
Man Arrested for Attacks on Salem, Oregon Tesla Showroom, Causing $500,000 in Damages
— TeslaMagz (@teslaxmagz) March 6, 2025
A 41-year-old man has been arrested for carrying out two separate attacks on a Tesla showroom in Salem, Oregon, involving gunfire and Molotov cocktails. The incidents caused an estimated… pic.twitter.com/E7NJwxp3f1
Shooting at Dealership
On February 19, at about 5 a.m., police responded to reports of broken windows at the dealership.
Officers found spent bullets, bullet fragments, and impact points. A security guard was present but did not hear gunshots, suggesting a suppressed firearm may have been used.
Investigators found that the man owned a short-barrel rifle and two silencers. His vehicle was seen in the area again.
Nationwide Vandalism Against Tesla
Tesla, an electric vehicle company owned by Elon Musk, has been the target of vandalism across the country. Protests have taken place, including at the Oregon State Capitol.
Arrest and Court Appearance
The FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Salem Police investigated.
The man was arrested Tuesday in Salem. He appeared in federal court Wednesday and waived his preliminary hearing. His arraignment is set for April 3.
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