- 19-year-old college student charged with March 17 Tesla dealership arson
- Second federal arrest in Tesla property attack cases this week
- DOJ threatens decades-long prison sentences for similar crimes
The U.S. Department of Justice intensified its crackdown on electric vehicle industry crimes Friday with the arrest of Owen McIntire, a Missouri resident studying in Massachusetts. Federal agents allege McIntire orchestrated a late-night fire at a Kansas City Tesla service center that destroyed three Model Y vehicles awaiting delivery.
Attorney General Pam Bondi's stern warning highlights growing concerns about targeted attacks against EV infrastructure. Industry analysts note a 140% increase in dealership vandalism reports since 2022, particularly in states with strong fossil fuel lobbies. Tesla has reportedly invested $23 million in enhanced security systems following similar incidents in Texas and Ohio last quarter.
A regional case study from Portland shows dealership arson cases take 37% longer to prosecute than standard property crimes due to complex electrical fire patterns. Insurance experts warn such attacks could increase EV ownership costs, with some carriers already adding 15-20% premium surcharges for vehicles stored in urban dealership lots.
The FBI's Cyber Division is investigating potential connections to online anti-EV groups, though no formal linkages have been confirmed. Meanwhile, Tesla's legal team has filed civil suits against three social media accounts accused of encouraging 'direct action' against EV retailers.
