The suspect now faces several crime charges related to the incident
February 27, 2025 at 12:29
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- A person suspected of having targeted more than $ 220,000 in teslas with incendiary devices is now in prison.
- Police apprehended the suspect following a failed criminal fire and multiple acts of vandalism.
- Tesla can continue her own accusations after a recent wave of vandalism incidents across the country.
For weeks, Loveland police, Colorado, had continued a suspect after a series of incidents against a concessionaire in Colorado Tesla which seemed to be a typical and ordinary vandalism. But it turns out that the case was much more serious than anyone could have imagined.
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After several calls, several events of vandalism and a public plea for help, the authorities finally found the culprit. This started like a few cans of aerosol paint quickly intensified, leading to a shocking arrest – with explosives and incendiary devices discovered on the scene, at a Tesla dealership.
The first incident – painting, not explosive
All this goes back to the end of January, when the police responded to a call concerning vandalism at the Tesla dealer on 1606 North Lincoln Ave in Loveland. Although they did not find a suspect at the time, they found many evidence that something is wrong. It was only the first of several similar incidents, with more vandalism reported on February 2 and again on February 7.
Turning: the criminal fire
It was this second incident in February that was the turn. The police report that, rather than simply “offensive and hateful” messages on the cars, the aggressor also attempted a criminal fire attempt in one form or another. According to the Seattle TimesSafety images have shown someone who throws what seems to be Molotov cocktails in a row of cars. The Affidavit revealed that at least four cars, of a collectively $ 220,000 value, were targeted by these incendiary devices. The authorities have published a bulletin to the community to request help to identify the responsible person.
On February 24, they finally paused, apprehending the person they believe behind it. Identified as Lucy Nelson, 40, the suspect was found with “additional incendiary devices, as well as materials related to vandalism”, according to Loveland police. Nelson’s arrest affidavit suggests that she may not have acted alone, because surveillance images show another person, with a different construction, which is also suspected of involvement.
“These incidents were not only illegal, dangerous and disturbing, they also created an atmosphere of discomfort and concern,” said Chris Padgett, responsible for public information at Loveland PD, Chris Padgett Cnn. “Those who work in the company, as well as those who live in the community, had to face such concerns since the first incident on January 29,” he added.
A long list of fees
That said, Nelson is now confronted with an accusation list, including the use of explosives or incendiary devices during a crime and a criminal mischief involving damages between $ 2,000 and $ 5,000, and a class 3 crime attempt. The Magistrate of the county of Larimer has set up for $ 100,000.
It is of course a small chapter of the larger and in progress saga of vandalism and protests linked to Tesla and Elon Musk at the moment.
Tesla himself has clearly indicated that they would pursue anyone who damages his property – in particular the compressor stations, who have been a frequent target of vandalism in recent times. We imagine that Tesla could be ready to continue Nelson with the same tenacity. But for Tesla owners whose cars are damaged in these incidents? Well, you have more or less to pick up the pieces for the moment.
