SoCal police hunting for Tesla bandit wanted for vandaliz…

In Irvine, California, a vandal has been targeting Teslas, spray painting 13 vehicles over the course of a week. The incidents began around 10:30 p.m. one Friday, with surveillance footage capturing the suspect in action. Police are seeking the public's help to identify him. Amidst growing anti-Elon Musk sentiment, several Teslas have been adorned with anti-Musk bumper stickers as the vehicle brand's image becomes increasingly negative among some California residents. Meanwhile, Musk faces significant financial losses in the market, having lost around $650 billion in personal wealth recently.

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The anti-Elon Musk fever gripping California claimed another target this week after a vandal allegedly spray-painted 13 Teslas in Irvine — and police say he is still at it.

According to the Irvine Police Department, the suspect first struck around 10:30 p.m. last Friday inside a parking garage near Michelson Drive and Carlson Avenue, where surveillance video allegedly shows him spray-painting a Tesla.

Three other Teslas parked nearby were also found vandalized.

Three other Teslas parked nearby were also found vandalized. Facebook/@Irvine Police Department

Surveillance shows him spray-painting a Tesla. Facebook/@Irvine Police Department

A vandal allegedly spray-painted 13 Teslas in Irvine. REUTERS

Many have plastered their vehicles with anti-Musk bumper stickers declaring, “I bought this before Elon went crazy” or “Anti-Elon Tesla Club.” Christopher Sadowski

Investigators say the suspect later returned to the same garage and allegedly spray-painted nine more Teslas, bringing the total to 13 damaged vehicles over the course of the week.

Police are asking the public to help identify him.

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In California’s liberal enclaves, a Tesla in the driveway is no longer a badge of eco-pride; it is a black mark.

Many have plastered their vehicles with anti-Musk bumper stickers declaring, “I bought this before Elon went crazy” or “Anti-Elon Tesla Club,” an attempt to signal to fellow Democrats that they may drive the car, but they don’t support the man behind it.

Even prominent state leaders have put distance between themselves and Musk.

Gov. Gavin Newsom and San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie have embraced Rivian vehicles as Tesla’s image has become increasingly toxic in many blue circles following Musk’s close alignment with President Trump.

Even prominent Democratic politicians have put distance between themselves and Musk. Getty Images

Tesla’s image has become increasingly toxic in many blue circles. AP Photo/Jae C. Hong

According to the Irvine Police Department, the suspect first struck around 10:30 p.m. Facebook/@Irvine Police Department

Authorities have not announced a motive.

Not only are Teslas getting actively targeted in the Golden State, but Musk and his primary automotive venture are also absorbing a massive financial beating on Wall Street as of late.

Tesla just suffered its worst week since the 2020 pandemic with an 18% crash, while Musk watched a staggering $650 billion of his personal fortune evaporate in just five weeks.

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SoCal police hunting for Tesla bandit wanted for vandalizing more than a dozen vehicles in a week

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