LOGAN — A 29-year-old man has been arrested for causing more than $5,000 in damages to a Tesla that was parked outside a grocery store in Providence, according to law enforcement. Benjamin Jacob Richardson was booked Thursday into the Cache County Jail, following an investigation by the Cache County Sheriff’s Office.
In an interview with News Talk KVNU, the alleged victim explained how she was buying groceries on April 2, and had parked in a handicap spot, before walking into the store. When she returned to the car, she found that someone had keyed both sides of the vehicle.
“My heart just dropped when I saw what had been done,” the woman said. “It felt like a personal attack against me.”
According to the arrest report, deputies were able to obtain video from the grocery store, showing the suspect, a bald man with a beard, who was with a younger man. The suspect was seen scratching the car and then walking into the store to buy groceries. After walking out of the store, he scratched the other side of the vehicle.
On April 22, employees recognized the suspect return to the store and use his rewards phone number, allowing deputies to obtain Richardson’s identity.
Deputies went to Richardson’s home and attempted to talk with him about the allegations. He immediately requested an attorney and refused to answer any questions.
According to jail records, Richardson was booked on suspicion of second degree felony criminal mischief. He was later released, pending arraignment on formal charges in 1st District Court.
The incident in Providence is similar to others that have happened throughout the country. During the past several months, Tesla vehicles and dealerships have become the target of vandals, angry with Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s involvement in the federal government.
Deputies report the vehicle, a Tesla Model Y was recently wrapped using a vinyl material. The scratches were down to the metal, destroying both the vinyl wrap and the paint underneath.
The alleged victim said she has never experienced this type of anger while driving her car. The woman, who has a disability, purchased the vehicle to help her drive.