Suspect arrested after 13 Teslas vandalized with 'Nazi' and 'fascist' writings, Irvine police say - ABC7 Los Angeles

What the report says

KABC-TV reported that Irvine police have arrested a suspect in a series of vandalism incidents in which 13 Tesla vehicles were spray-painted at the same Irvine plaza. Police identified the suspect as Max Sebastian Solomon, 25, of Irvine, and said he was taken into custody Tuesday. Authorities announced the arrest Wednesday and said he is facing felony vandalism charges.

According to the Irvine Police Department, surveillance video from about 10:30 p.m. on July 17 showed a man in a parking garage near the LA Fitness on Michelson Drive shaking a spray-paint can, covering his mouth with his shirt and marking a Tesla. Police said four Teslas were damaged that night, including one painted with the word “Nazi.” Less than a week later, investigators said nine more Teslas were vandalized in another parking garage at the same plaza, with vehicles marked with the words “Nazi” and “Fascist.”

KABC-TV reported that the investigation advanced after an officer connected the case to an earlier report involving someone allegedly spitting on a Tesla. Police said the officer remembered the person had been carrying a takeout bag, went to the restaurant and was able to identify the suspect. An Irvine police spokesperson told the station that investigators believe the suspect’s hostility toward Tesla was a factor in the vandalism.

The case drew attention because multiple vehicle owners were affected in a relatively concentrated area. One victim told KABC-TV the damage left him unable to drive the car for several days until the paint was removed. Police had previously released images seeking public help before announcing the arrest.