Cass County, ND (trfnews.i234.me) — Ryan Lyle Williams, 25, of Fargo, has been charged with felony criminal mischief after allegedly keying a Tesla Cybertruck in the Costco parking lot in West Fargo on March 29, 2025.
According to the West Fargo Police Department, officers were called to the scene just before 2:00 p.m. The vehicle’s owner reported that his Tesla had been vandalized while he was inside the store. Surveillance footage from the Tesla’s onboard cameras and nearby businesses helped identify Williams as the suspect. He was later located and admitted to the vandalism, stating he wanted to participate in an online movement encouraging attacks on Teslas.
The incident coincided with “National Tesla Takedown Day,” a protest movement targeting Tesla vehicles and facilities. Similar acts of vandalism have been reported nationwide, including arson attacks on Tesla charging stations and vehicles.
Williams made his first court appearance on April 15, 2025, in Cass County Court. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 22 at 1:30 p.m.
I’m Chris Harper, and I’m reporting for TRF News.
Did you know? Facts:
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Tesla’s Sentry Mode uses the vehicle’s external cameras to monitor surroundings and record potential security threats.
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The Hobbs Act is a federal law that prohibits actual or attempted robbery or extortion affecting interstate or foreign commerce.
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Criminal mischief in North Dakota can be classified as a felony if the property damage exceeds $2,000.