Surveillance video captures Tesla vandal in Bradenton shopping center, police say
Police are searching for a man suspected of vandalizing three Tesla vehicles parked at a Bradenton shopping plaza.
In a post to social media Wednesday, the Bradenton Police Department shared a video showing an unidentified man keying a Tesla, along with still images showing him walking through a parking lot in a blue shirt and driving what appears to be a dark-colored Chevrolet.
The incident comes as Tesla vehicles and properties have become frequent targets across the country. Police departments in several states have reported vandalism, arson and politically charged graffiti at Tesla dealerships, charging stations and individually owned vehicles.
Police are asking for the public’s help identifying the man, who they said caused thousands of dollars in damage to the three vehicles.
The alleged vandalism happened on March 11 at Pinebrook Commons, which features a bealls store and a Metro Diner restaurant in the 4800 block of Cortez Road West, according to police.
Officers responded around 8:15 p.m. and spoke with the Tesla owners, who had been inside nearby businesses. Two of the cars belonged to a father and son who had been eating dinner at the time, BPD spokesperson Meredith Censullo said.
The only footage available, she said, is a cellphone video capturing footage from one of the Teslas’ onboard cameras. Because of the video quality, police have not released a more detailed description of the suspect.
The case is being investigated as criminal mischief involving a vehicle, though that could change, Censullo said. Two of the owners estimated about $3,000 in damage each, while the third estimated around $1,000.
Tesla vandal strikes in Bradenton, police say
The incident comes as Tesla vehicles and properties have become frequent targets across the country. Police departments in several states have reported vandalism, arson and politically charged graffiti at Tesla dealerships, charging stations and individually owned vehicles.
The backlash against the Tesla brand has intensified since Elon Musk, the company’s outspoken CEO, was appointed to lead the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, a new federal agency created by President Donald Trump’s administration.
The department has moved to eliminate thousands of federal jobs and reduce the size of multiple government agencies. The cuts have sparked protests and drawn criticism from labor groups, government employees and opponents of the administration.
Tesla has also faced falling sales, boycotts and protests outside showrooms. Some owners have reportedly sold their vehicles in protest of Musk’s political role. The U.S. Department of Justice has also suggested that people who vandalize Tesla property could face domestic terrorism charges.
In response to the growing number of attacks, the FBI announced this week it formed a task force to investigate anti-Tesla violence. The agency urged the public to report threats, break-ins or other suspicious activity and said federal charges could apply in some cases.
Anyone with information about the Bradenton incident is asked to contact Detective William Mulligan at William.Mulligan@BradentonPD.com or (941) 932-9313.
