In a shocking incident on April 28, 2023, police in Mesa, Arizona, arrested a man suspected of arson after he allegedly set fire to a newly delivered Tesla Cybertruck at a local dealership. At approximately 2:00 a.m., law enforcement responded to reports of an explosion at the Tesla Service Center, where witnesses observed smoke and flames emanating from the vicinity of the building. Upon their arrival, officers confirmed that the blaze originated from the electric vehicle, prompting immediate action to extinguish the fire. Footage from KSAZ-TV, a Fox News affiliate, illustrated the scene with law enforcement surrounding the dealership after the flames were put out.
The suspect, identified as 35-year-old Ian Moses, reportedly spray-painted the word “THEIF” (misspelled) on the side of the dealership before igniting the Cybertruck. Investigators documented the damage, showcasing the charred remnants of the vehicle as the area was sealed off for evidence collection. Thankfully, there were no injuries linked to this incident, but the fire raises questions about security and vandalism at Tesla properties. Mesa police quickly escalated their investigation as they noticed a suspicious van parked nearby, eventually leading them to identify Moses.
During their inquiry, officers observed a man approaching the suspicious van on a bicycle, who turned out to be Moses. They were able to confirm his identity using security footage from the Tesla Security Center, which captured key moments of the arson incident. Following the evidence compilation, Moses was arrested and charged with one count of arson concerning both a structure and property. The Mesa Police Department announced plans to collaborate with federal authorities to further investigate the crime, indicating that more charges against Moses could follow.
This incident is part of a troubling trend where attacks on Tesla properties are becoming increasingly frequent. Nationwide, activists have been targeting Elon Musk’s companies, a movement fueled by dissatisfaction with the billionaire’s political affiliations, particularly involving the Trump administration. A separate report from Fox News Digital highlighted vandalism incidents affecting Tesla dealerships across the United States. For example, in Minnesota, a man had allegedly inflicted $20,000 worth of damage to Tesla vehicles, while in Florida, two suspects had rammed through a dealership gate to steal a Tesla.
The situation escalated further with incidents that involve not just vandalism but targeted attacks. One such case involved a Las Vegas man facing federal charges for an assault on a Tesla dealership. These actions have prompted responses from government officials. In March, Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that the Department of Justice would aggressively pursue federal charges against those involved in such acts of vandalism and violence, labeling the series of attacks as “domestic terrorism.” Bondi emphasized the necessity for investigations to hold accountable those committing these crimes.
As the investigation into the Mesa arson continues, authorities are urging any witnesses or individuals with relevant information to come forward. The Mesa Police Department and Tesla Inc. have been contacted for further comments on the situation, reflecting ongoing concern over the impact of the increased vandalism and arson targeting Tesla facilities. As these incidents progress, the implications for safety and community cohesion around these companies and their relation to activism will likely prompt broader discussions on corporate security and political motivations behind such violence.
