- Irvine police are searching for a man who spray-painted 13 Tesla cars in different parking garages across the city.
- The man used red spray paint to write the words "fascist" and "nazi" during his vandalism spree.
- On July 17, the suspect spray-painted four Teslas in a parking garage near Michelson Drive.
- Less than a week later, the suspect vandalized nine additional Teslas in a different garage at the same plaza.
- On July 24, police released surveillance video and sought public assistance to identify the suspect.
- The suspect has a noticeable tattoo above his right elbow, according to investigators.
- The vandalism incidents have raised concerns as victims believe the suspect may have a political grievance against Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
- Irvine PD spokesperson Ziggy Azarcon noted that the suspect wore different shirts but the same shoes in the videos.
- The police have received multiple tips after posting security camera videos from the Teslas.
Irvine police are investigating a series of vandalism incidents involving 13 Teslas, where a suspect spray-painted the words 'Nazi' and 'fascist' on the vehicles. The incidents occurred in parking garages near Michelson Drive, with the first reported on July 17 and a subsequent attack on July 24.135
The suspect, described as wearing different shirts but the same shoes, was caught on surveillance video shaking a can of spray paint and covering his face with his shirt. Officer Ziggy Azarcon noted, “A lot of people know Teslas do record 360 degrees. We’re surprised this man came up.” The police have received multiple tips since releasing the footage, which shows the suspect vandalizing four Teslas on the first night and nine more on the second.89
Victims expressed frustration, with one stating, “Obviously you don’t want to drive your car around with that written on it.” The damage left some unable to use their vehicles for days until they found professionals to remove the paint. “Our community works very hard for what they have,” Azarcon added, emphasizing that residents should not have to worry about such vandalism.
The police are urging anyone with information about the suspect, who has a noticeable tattoo above his right elbow, to contact them. The motivation behind the vandalism remains unclear, but some victims speculate it may be linked to political grievances against Tesla CEO Elon Musk.67
“Police have received multiple tips after releasing footage showing the suspect shaking red spray paint and covering his mouth with his shirt. He targeted 13 Teslas across two incidents at the same plaza, with victims suspecting political grievance against Tesla CEO Elon Musk.”
CBS News
ABC7 Los Angeles
Orange County Register
