In a puzzling turn of events, a woman has come under suspicion in a series of acts of vandalism perpetrated against a Tesla dealership in Colorado during the nighttime hours. The destructive acts included the hurling of Molotov cocktails at vehicles, the defacing of the building with the words “Nazi cars” spray painted on its exterior, and the display of a message seemingly aimed at Tesla founder Elon Musk, as detailed in court documents.
Lucy Grace Nelson was taken into custody on Monday in Loveland after authorities reported that she returned to the dealership equipped with “additional incendiary devices” and materials used in the acts of vandalism. Chris Padgett, a spokesperson for the police department, mentioned that investigations are ongoing to ascertain the suspected perpetrator’s motive.
The unfolding case has emerged against a backdrop of mounting concerns expressed by members of both the Democratic and Republican parties regarding Elon Musk’s level of influence within the Trump administration, with recent protests also being noted at other Tesla outlets across the United States.
Nelson was apprehended on state charges related to the use of incendiary devices or explosives during a felony, criminal mischief, and criminal attempt to commit a felony in connection with the incidents that transpired on Monday. The authorities indicated that collaboration with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is underway, with potential federal charges looming.
Following her release on bond on Tuesday, Nelson did not immediately respond to a phone message the next day. According to the arrest affidavit detailing the evidence against Nelson, there are suggestions of a potential accomplice, with observations from surveillance footage pointing to a second individual with a smaller build than Nelson being present during one of the six incidents that have occurred since January 29. However, Nelson has been identified as the individual present at other times.
Padgett mentioned that investigations are considering the likelihood of another person being involved in the criminal activities but refrained from disclosing further details due to the ongoing federal inquiry.
One of the documented episodes involved the spray painting of an offensive message believed to be aimed at Musk, after which the perpetrator was confronted by a security guard and fled the scene. Security camera footage captured the moment when Molotov cocktails were lobbed at a row of Tesla sedans. The affidavit revealed that the incendiary devices, fashioned from empty liquor bottles, targeted at least four vehicles valued at a total of $220,000.
Upon Nelson’s arrest, police discovered in her possession various items including spray paint cans, gasoline, bottles, and cloth pieces suitable for use as accelerant-soaked materials. When contacted, a representative from the Tesla dealership in Loveland opted not to provide a comment, and a request for comment from Tesla through email went unanswered.
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