Emergency responders at the scene of the arson incident involving a Tesla Cybertruck at the dealership in Mesa, Arizona.
A 35-year-old man, Ian Moses, was arrested for arson after a Tesla Cybertruck was set on fire at a dealership in Mesa, Arizona. Firefighters responded swiftly, preventing injuries and damage to the dealership. The suspect was linked to the scene through video footage and was found with suspicious items related to the act. He faces multiple charges, and federal authorities are involved in the investigation due to the alarming trend of vandalism against Tesla properties nationwide, raising concerns about domestic terrorism.
Ian Moses, a 35-year-old man, was arrested and charged with arson following an incident at a Tesla dealership in Mesa, Arizona, where a Cybertruck was set on fire on April 28, 2025. Firefighters responded promptly to reports of an explosion and smoke at the dealership around 2:00 a.m., preventing any injuries and ensuring the fire did not spread beyond the vehicle.
Upon arrival, police found the Tesla Cybertruck fully engulfed in flames near the Tesla Service Center. Witnesses reported hearing an explosion prior to seeing smoke and flames. Graffiti in the form of the misspelled word “THEIF” was discovered spray-painted on the exterior of the dealership, further suggesting malicious intent.
Following the incident, video footage from the Tesla Security Center provided crucial evidence, linking Moses to the crime scene. Police later reported the observation of a suspicious van as they began their investigation, which culminated in the arrest of Moses as he approached the van on a bicycle. He was discovered opening the door of the van.
A search of Moses’s belongings revealed a black backpack containing several items, including a black mask, a plastic gas can, a lighter, spray paint, and a hand-drawn map of the dealership. Authorities speculate that Moses used fire starter logs along with a liquid accelerant to ignite the Cybertruck.
Moses is now facing two charges: one count of arson of a structure and property and another for malicious damage to a vehicle. Federal authorities, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), are assisting Mesa police in the investigation, which may lead to additional charges being filed.
In light of similar vandalism incidents against Tesla, the U.S. Department of Justice has categorized these actions as domestic terrorism. This classification reflects a growing trend of attacks on Tesla properties, many of which are being linked to protests against the company’s CEO, Elon Musk.
This case is part of a larger pattern of vandalism targeting Tesla vehicles across the nation. Recently, a Minnesota man caused an estimated $20,000 in damages to Tesla cars, while in Florida, individuals have made headlines for stealing Teslas by forcibly ramming through dealership gates. Authorities continue to stress the importance of community vigilance and are encouraging anyone with additional information regarding the arson at the Mesa dealership to come forward.
As the investigation continues, the interactions between local law enforcement and federal agencies emphasize the severity of the incidents occurring against Tesla. The public’s cooperation is sought to further aid in resolving these matters and to prevent future occurrences.
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