A 35-year-old man has been charged with arson following a fire that destroyed a Cybertruck at a Tesla dealership in Mesa, Arizona, early Monday morning, according to KSAZ-TV. The suspect also left an insult for Elon Musk, who is currently heading up the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). However, the arsonist’s attempt at making a statement fell flat with the misspelling of the word “thief.”
Authorities in Mesa arrested the suspect after he allegedly ignited the newly delivered Cybertruck. Officers were called to the Tesla Service Center shortly before 2:00 a.m. Monday after receiving reports of an explosion at the site.
When they arrived, officers found smoke and flames coming from the Cybertruck, which had just been delivered to the dealership. Police identified the suspect as Ian Moses, 35, who they say spray painted "THEIF" (sic) on the side of the dealership before setting the vehicle ablaze.
Witnesses at the scene confirmed seeing the fire near the building. Footage from Fox News affiliate KSAZ-TV showed state and federal law enforcement securing the area once the fire was extinguished. Investigators also taped off the scene where the burned electric truck was located.
While investigating, officers noticed a suspicious van parked nearby. They observed a man on a bicycle approach the van and open its door, at which point they made contact and identified the individual as Moses.
Mesa police said they were able to match Moses to security images captured during the incident by the Tesla Security Center. He was subsequently arrested and booked into jail on one count of arson of a structure and property.
The Mesa Police Department noted that it is working alongside federal agencies and indicated that additional charges against Moses could be forthcoming as the investigation progresses.
This case comes amid a wave of vandalism targeting Elon Musk’s companies, fueled by activists critical of Musk’s ties to the Trump administration.
Fox News Digital has reported several other Tesla-related incidents across the country. In Minnesota, a man is accused of inflicting $20,000 in damage on Tesla vehicles. In Florida, surveillance video caught two suspects breaking through a dealership gate and stealing a Tesla. In Las Vegas, a man accused of attacking a Tesla dealership is now facing federal charges.
In March, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that the Department of Justice would pursue federal action against those responsible for vandalism. "The swarm of violent attacks on Tesla property is nothing short of domestic terrorism," she said. "We will continue investigations that impose severe consequences on those involved in these attacks, including those operating behind the scenes to coordinate and fund these crimes."
Officials are also encouraging anyone with additional information about the Mesa arson case to come forward as the investigation remains ongoing.