Irvine police seek suspect after 13 Teslas vandalized with 'Nazi' and 'fascist' writings - ABC7 Los Angeles

What the report says

KABC-TV reports that police in Irvine, California, are seeking the public’s help to identify a man suspected of vandalizing 13 Tesla vehicles in two incidents at the same shopping plaza on Michelson Drive. The first reported case happened around 10:30 p.m. last Friday in a parking garage near an LA Fitness, where surveillance video allegedly showed a man shaking a spray-paint can, covering part of his face with his shirt and marking a Tesla with red paint spelling “Nazi.”

According to Irvine police, four Teslas were damaged during the first incident. Less than a week later, investigators said a similar episode occurred in a different parking garage within the same plaza, where nine more Teslas were vandalized with the words “Nazi” and “Fascist.” Officer Ziggy Azarcon told KABC that similarities in the person’s appearance, including shoes and what police believe may be a tattoo behind the right elbow, led investigators to think the same person may be responsible.

KABC spoke with one vehicle owner who said he initially wondered whether he had been personally targeted, but later concluded multiple owners had been affected. He said the writing left him unable to comfortably drive the car for several days until someone removed the paint.

Police described the case as unusual for Irvine and said they have received several tips while continuing to ask for information. KABC reported that anyone who recognizes the suspect or has relevant details is being asked to contact Irvine police Detective Noelle at BNoelle@cityofirvine.org.