Minnesota Police Call Tesla Vandalism Suspect a ‘Victim’ in Strange Twist [WATCH]

As reported by The Blaze, the woman who admitted to vandalizing a Tesla vehicle outside a Cub Foods store in Bloomington, Minnesota, will not face charges, according to Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges.

The incident occurred on March 26, when the suspect walked past a Tesla parked on France Avenue, just north of Old Shakopee Road, and scratched the vehicle with a key. The damage amounted to $3,200, according to police statements given to the Minnesota Star Tribune.

Shortly after the vandalism, police released video footage of the suspect in the parking lot and requested public assistance in identifying her. The following day, the woman voluntarily came to the police department with her family and admitted to committing the act.

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Chief Hodges explained during a press conference on Tuesday that the Tesla owner requested only that the suspect cover the cost of repairs. The woman complied and paid for the damage in full. As a result, no criminal charges will be filed.

“The victim in this case just wanted their car fixed, and they just wanted the suspect to pay for that,” Hodges said. “Based on the totality of the circumstances here, and along with our core value of being compassionate, this is the best outcome for everybody involved in this case.”

Hodges also addressed a broader issue he believes may have contributed to the incident — public rhetoric surrounding Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk. Without naming specific individuals, he noted:

“The suspect in this case may have been a victim — and I mean victim in terms of the rhetoric that is being spewed out here by some of those in leadership.”

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“People should be able to drive whatever car they want without fear of going into a store and someone scratching their car, or people yelling at ’em because of the car … they choose to drive,” he added.

Hodges appeared to allude to recent remarks made by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a Democrat who ran unsuccessfully for vice president alongside Kamala Harris.

Last month, Walz told an audience that he takes “great pleasure in the fact that this guy’s life is going to get very, very difficult,” referring to Elon Musk and his association with President Donald Trump.

Musk later responded on X, writing, “Sometimes when I need a little boost, I look at the @JDVance portrait in the @WhiteHouse and thank the Lord.”

Sometimes when I need a little boost, I look at the @JDVance portrait in the @WhiteHouse and thank the Lord 🙏 https://t.co/etwL4KocIx

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 19, 2025

Despite the decision not to press charges in this case, Hodges made it clear that future incidents would be treated differently.

“But rest assured, if you damage these cars or target people, we are going to arrest you, we are going to prosecute you to the fullest extent that we’re able to,” he said.

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