The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A Florida man is facing felony charges for allegedly causing approximately $20,000 worth of damage to a Tesla Cybertruck during an unauthorized two-day test drive.
The incident began on November 17, when a 26-year-old local man visited the Tesla store and service center in St. Petersburg, and wanted to test drive the vehicle. He was allotted 30 minutes to take the truck out, but the man reportedly kept the vehicle without permission until it was found damaged at his residence two days later.
According to reports, the assistant manager of the store was able to track down and collect the truck from the man’s residence. Extensive damage was seen on the vehicle, including a broken rearview mirror and camera, a missing GPS unit, and a missing sun visor, as well as two damaged fender flares. It was also reported that the Florida dealer tag was no longer on the truck. The authorities were notified, and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office began investigating the situation.
Footage was collected from the Cybertruck’s camera, which allegedly displayed someone who appeared to be the suspect using a hammer to destroy the mirror and camera. It was estimated that the total cost of the damage done to the vehicle was approximately $20,000.
On November 26, sheriff’s deputies took the man into custody, and he was booked into the Pinellas County Jail. He is facing preliminary charges of one count of felony grand theft of a motor vehicle and one count of felony criminal mischief over $1,000. According to facility records, he was released approximately 12 hours later after he posted a $10,000 bond.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a theft offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.