Suspect Found Throwing Explosive Devices at Tesla Vehicles
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February 28, 2025 by David Jones
A 40-year-old woman, Lucy Grace Nelson, was apprehended by the Loveland Police Department in Colorado on charges of vandalizing a Tesla dealership and hurling Molotov cocktails at vehicles on the property. The incident is the latest in a series of protests against Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Nelson, previously known as Justin Thomas Nelson, was arrested late Monday night, as she returned to the dealership armed with additional explosive devices and materials for vandalism.
The arrest affidavit reveals that Nelson targeted at least four cars, collectively valued at $220,000, with explosive devices crafted from empty liquor bottles. Upon her arrest, police discovered cans of spray paint, gasoline, empty bottles, and cloth fragments possibly drenched in accelerant in her vehicle.
The police are exploring the likelihood of another individual being involved in the recurrent vandalism. Chris Padgett, the information officer for the police department, stated that while the investigation into Nelson’s motive is ongoing, protesting against Musk is a plausible suspicion. Nelson was charged with the use of explosive devices, criminal mischief, and attempted felony.
Nelson was detained with a $100,000 cash bond, which she posted and was subsequently released on Tuesday, according to Padgett. The local police are collaborating with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and it is anticipated that federal charges will be forthcoming.
The Tesla dealership in Loveland has been a repeated target of vandalism and explosive devices since January. The dealership and its vehicles were defaced with graffiti that was described as “very offensive” and “derogatory in nature” by Padgett.
Protests have been staged at several Tesla showrooms across the country, and some Tesla owners have reported vandalism of their vehicles. A campaign known as #TeslaTakedown, spearheaded by actor Alex Winter, encourages shareholders to divest their Tesla shares and owners to sell their vehicles. Winter stated in a Rolling Stone op-ed that over 100 Tesla dealerships have been the site of demonstrations.