The Irvine Police Department is seeking a suspect accused of spray-painting 13 Teslas in a parking garage near Michelson Drive and Carlson Avenue over one week. Surveillance footage reportedly shows the initial attack at about 10:30 p.m. last Friday; investigators say the suspect later returned and damaged nine more vehicles. Authorities have not announced a motive and are asking the public for help. The incidents are being reported amid broader local tensions around Elon Musk and his businesses.
Southern California: Suspect Sought After 13 Teslas Spray-Painted in Irvine Parking Garage
Southern California police are searching for a suspect accused of spray-painting 13 Tesla vehicles in an Irvine parking garage over the course of a week. The Irvine Police Department says the first incident occurred at about 10:30 p.m. last Friday in a garage near Michelson Drive and Carlson Avenue, where surveillance footage reportedly shows a man spray-painting a Tesla.
Details of the Incidents
Officers found three other Teslas nearby that were also vandalized during the initial incident. Investigators say the same suspect later returned to the garage and allegedly spray-painted nine additional Teslas, bringing the reported total to 13 damaged vehicles over the week. Police have released images and are asking the public to help identify the individual.
Context
Authorities have not announced a motive. Some local observers and media coverage place the incidents against a backdrop of increasing hostility toward Elon Musk and his companies in parts of California, where a number of owners add anti-Musk bumper stickers to distinguish their political views from their car purchases. Some state and local officials have also publicly favored rival electric vehicle brands.
Market Impact (Reported)
Separately, reports note Tesla has faced recent market pressure: its stock reportedly fell about 18% in a week described as its worst since the 2020 pandemic period, and media accounts estimate Elon Musk's personal net worth declined by roughly $650 billion over a five-week span. These financial figures are reported values and reflect broader market movements.
Police Appeal
The Irvine Police Department urges anyone with information or dashcam/surveillance footage from the parking garage near Michelson Drive and Carlson Avenue to contact them. Tips assist investigators in identifying suspects and building cases for prosecution.
Note: Authorities have not released a motive, and all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Three other Teslas parked nearby were also found vandalized. Facebook/@Irvine Police Department
Surveillance shows him spray-painting a Tesla. Facebook/@Irvine Police Department
A vandal allegedly spray-painted 13 Teslas in Irvine. REUTERS
Many have plastered their vehicles with anti-Musk bumper stickers declaring, "I bought this before Elon went crazy" or "Anti-Elon Tesla Club." Christopher Sadowski
Even prominent Democratic politicians have put distance between themselves and Musk. Getty Images
Tesla's image has become increasingly toxic in many blue circles. AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
According to the Irvine Police Department, the suspect first struck around 10:30 p.m. Facebook/@Irvine Police Department
Authorities have not announced a motive.
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