Police Catch Woman With Explosives After Tesla Dealership Vandalism

For weeks, police in Loveland, Colorado, had been chasing down a suspect after a string of incidents against a Colorado Tesla dealership that seemed like typical, run-of-the-mill vandalism. But as it turns out, the case was far more serious than anyone could have imagined.

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After several calls, multiple vandalism events, and a public plea for help, the authorities finally tracked down the culprit. What started as a few cans of spray paint quickly escalated, culminating in a shocking arrest—complete with explosives and incendiary devices discovered at the scene, at a Tesla dealership.

The First Incident – Paint, Not Explosives

All of this dates back to late January, when police responded to a call about some vandalism at the Tesla dealership on 1606 North Lincoln Ave in Loveland. While they didn’t find a suspect at the time,they did find plenty of evidence that something was amiss. It was just the first of several similar incidents, with more vandalism reported on February 2 and again on February 7.

Turning Point: The Arson Attempt

It’s that second incident in February that was the turning point though. Police report that rather than simply spray-painting “offensive and hateful” messages on cars, the perpetrator also made an attempt at arson in one form or another. According to the Seattle Times, security footage showed someone throwing what appear to be Molotov cocktails into a row of cars. The affidavit revealed that at least four cars, collectively worth $220,000, were targeted by these incendiary devices. The authorities put out a bulletin to the community asking for help in identifying the person responsible.

On February 24, they finally caught a break, apprehending the person they believe is behind it all. Identified as 40-year-old Lucy Nelson, the suspect was found with “additional incendiary devices, along with materials linked to the vandalism,” according to Loveland police. Nelson’s arrest affidavit suggests she may not have acted alone, as surveillance footage shows another individual, with a different build, who is also suspected of involvement.

“These incidents were not only unlawful, dangerous, and unsettling, they also created an atmosphere of discomfort and worry,” Loveland PD Public Information Officer Chris Padgett told CNN. “Those who work at the business, along with those living in the community, have had to deal with such concerns since the first incident on January 29th,” he added.

A Long List of Charges

That said, Nelson is now facing a laundry list of charges, including the use of explosives or incendiary devices during a felony, criminal mischief involving damages between $2,000 and $5,000, and an attempted Class 3 felony. The Larimer County Magistrate has set her bond at $100,000 cash surety.

This is, of course, just one small chapter in the larger, ongoing saga of vandalism and protests tied to Tesla and Elon Musk right now.

Tesla itself has made it clear that they will prosecute anyone who damages their property—specifically, Supercharger stations, which have been a frequent target of vandalism lately. We imagine that Tesla might be willing to go after Nelson with the same tenacity. But for Tesla owners whose cars are damaged in these incidents? Well, you’re pretty much left to pick up the pieces for now.