Tesla arson suspect arrested in Arizona after he allegedly set brand new Cybertruck on fire
Mesa police responded just before 2:00 a.m. on Monday, April 28, to reports of an explosion at the Tesla Service Center in Mesa, Ariz.
Witnesses reported smoke and flames near the building, which officers determined were coming from a newly delivered Tesla Cybertruck.
Footage from Fox News affiliate, KSAZ-TV, captured federal and state law enforcement surrounding the Tesla dealership after the fire was put out.
The arson suspect, identified by local police as 35-year-old Ian Moses, allegedly wrote 'THEIF' (sic) on the side of the dealership before setting the Cybertruck on fire.
The footage captured the charred electric truck as investigators taped off the scene. No injuries were reported.
During their investigation, police said they noticed a suspicious van parked nearby and observed a man riding a bicycle approaching and opening the van's door.
5 'THEIF' is written on the wall of the Mesa, Arizona Tesla Service Center on April 28, 2025.
KSAZ-TV
5 The charred remains of the Tesla Cybertruck after the arson attack.
KSAZ-TV
Officers immediately contacted the individual and identified the suspect.
Investigators were able to match Moses to security photos captured by the Tesla Security Center during the incident.
He was arrested and booked into jail for one count of arson of a structure and property.
The Mesa Police Department announced that it is collaborating with federal authorities, and additional charges against Moses are pending as the investigation continues.
5 Police block off an area to investigate the arson attack Monday.
KSAZ-TV
This arrest comes amid a broader national movement targeting Musk's companies, driven by activists protesting the billionaire's involvement with the Trump administration.
Fox News Digital has reported on recent Tesla vandalism incidents nationwide.
A Minnesota man is accused of causing $20,000 in damage to Tesla vehicles. Surveillance footage in Florida captured two suspects ramming through a dealership gate and stealing a Tesla.
5 The misspelling vandalism and the destroyed Cybertruck at the service center.
KSAZ-TV
5 Tesla CEO Elon Musk attends a cabinet meeting at the White House on April 10, 2025.
REUTERS
And a Los Vegas man attacking a Tesla dealership is now facing federal charges.
In March, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that the Department of Justice would pursue federal charges against vandalizers.
'The swarm of violent attacks on Tesla property is nothing short of domestic terrorism,' she said. 'We will continue investigations that impose severe consequences on those involved in these attacks, including those operating behind the scenes to coordinate and fund these crimes.'
Officials have urged anyone with additional information about the suspected arson incident to come forward as the investigation continues.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Mesa Police Department and Tesla Inc. for comment.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
41 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Tesla owner in disbelief after reviewing unsettling footage: 'File a police report'
A post on the Tesla Model Y subreddit has highlighted a shocking incident: a night shift security guard was caught on camera apparently urinating on the original poster's car. The footage was captured by Tesla's Sentry Mode, a built-in security feature that uses the car's external cameras and sensors to monitor for suspicious activity while the vehicle is parked and locked. The post is two years old, demonstrating that public criticism of Tesla isn't new. But in a year when the automaker has been associated, fairly or not, with chief executive officer Elon Musk's political involvement, there have been a number of incidents targeting Teslas and their owners. Some are concerned that dislike of the well-known company's leadership could slow wider electric vehicle adoption and progress toward a more sustainable future. Vandalism of EVs and their charging infrastructure could create fear and frustration among current owners and even discourage new buyers, making the transition away from gas and oil that much harder at a time when reducing our reliance on fossil fuels is urgent. Meanwhile, those looking to pursue EV adoption can rest assured that going electric can bring both economic and environmental benefits — and that they have options. With a growing variety of EV brands on the market, each offering different attributes, there's no need for prospective buyers to feel limited to any one maker. There are also more charging options than ever before. Switching from a traditional car to an EV can already help drivers reduce costs by cutting gas and related maintenance. But EVs can become even cleaner and more affordable when charged using solar energy. Drivers interested in further reducing their environmental impacts and utility costs by making the change to solar at home can use free tools from EnergySage to find quotes from vetted local installers, with the potential to save up to $10,000. Commenters expressed frustration over the act of vandalism, along with empathy for the car owner. Many encouraged them to "file a police report." One commenter wrote, "I don't get this. There is no reason to hate Tesla and Tesla owners." Another added, "I had no idea this was a thing. Just trying to imagine what satisfaction you get by pissing on a car." Would you feel safe driving an EV? Absolutely Depends on the model Not really I already have one Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the the daily Crossword
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
Teen accused of killing mom, stepdad in Carroll County denied bond
A teenage girl accused of shooting her mother and stepfather to death in their Carroll County home in February appeared in court on Tuesday morning for a bond hearing. The judge denied Sarah Grace Patrick, 17, bond, meaning she will remain in jail. Channel 2's Candace McCowan will have more from the courtroom on Channel 2 Action News at Noon. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Patrick was arrested last month after police say she shot and killed James, 45, and Kristin Brock, 41. She is charged with two counts of murder and two counts of aggravated assault. The Carroll County courtroom was packed with supporters of Patrick and other family members of the victims. Defense attorneys argued that because Patrick has no previous criminal history and is not a flight risk, she should be released on bond. The judge, however, found that she does pose a risk of fleeing and intimidating witnesses. Patrick will next appear in court on Sept. 22 for an arraignment. The judge is eyeing a potential trial start date of Jan. 5, 2026. RELATED STORIES: Daughter charged after mother, stepfather shot to death inside Carroll County home Family offering reward for answers in murder of Carroll County couple Couple found shot to death in their own bed in Carroll County The couple's 5-year-old daughter is the one who found their bodies. Patrick is the person who called 911 to report the deaths. 'To come in their home, while they were sleeping and to kill both of them with three children and leave them parentless…it's just hard,' added Kristin Brock's father, Dennis Nolan, in the days following the shooting. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
USA Today
5 hours ago
- USA Today
Detroit anchor Hank Winchester, cleared of sexual misconduct, blasts investigation
Days after his attorneys announced he had been cleared in a criminal investigation, Detroit-based broadcast reporter Hank Winchester called the ordeal "the worst nine weeks of my life." Winchester, AGE, who serves as an anchor on NBC's WDIV-TV in Michigan, returned to his podcast "The Morning After with Kelly Stafford & Hank" to shed some light on a scandal that wracked the local news community. "I've lost both my parents. I've had testicular cancer. I've gone through a divorce," the veteran journalist said. "Nothing compares to this." The Aug. 18 podcast appearance marked his first since a local TV station reported that he was being investigated by law enforcement for sexual misconduct and that his home in Beverly Hills, California, had been searched. At a press conference on Aug. 15, Winchester's attorney, Neil Rockind, said he had been "exonerated and cleared," describing his client as "the victim of baseless and unfounded allegations." The Oakland County Prosecutor's Office said in a statement that same day that the Beverly Hills Police Department had presented their findings, and "it was concluded there was no cause to file any charges against Mr. Winchester." Winchester, an Emmy-winning consumer affairs reporter who has been with WDIV since 2001, spoke candidly about what he called "an emotionally exhausting process." More: Tom Llamas steps up to 'NBC Nightly News' anchor with 'a lot of Cuban coffee' He also talked philosophically about what he has learned from the more than two months he spent mostly at home as the investigation proceeded. "It's an opportunity for me to take a step back and say, like, OK, this happened. What's the lesson? What can be learned? How can it make life better?" he said. "As much as it was insane and horrific and devastating, I have to lean into that, and that's what I'm doing." For her part, Winchester's co-host, Stafford, discussed how angry she has felt about the way he was "painted in the past nine weeks," which she saw as "the complete opposite man you are." "This is where the media has got to do a better job," she said, telling the media to "get on your computers and report the new news.' Despite his negative feelings about the investigation, Winchester said he had "the utmost respect" for police and prosecutors. "I will let you know that there was an allegation that was made against me by someone and police have a responsibility in these situations to investigate allegations," the anchorman said. "But they should also take the time to investigate the person making the allegation." Fired ABC anchor Terry Moran, axed for slamming Trump, reveals next move Calling the ordeal a "dark chapter of my life," he added that the past nine weeks had changed his perspective. "What is important to me today is much different than what was important to me before this started," he said. Winchester, who was placed on leave from WDIV in June, did not address the status of his future at the Detroit NBC affiliate. In a message to the Free Press, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, sent Friday, Aug. 15, via email, WDIV vice president and general manager Bob Ellis stated the station has reached out to Winchester to discuss next steps.
