On Saturday, March 29, 2025, at approximately 1:38 p.m., a Tesla Cybertruck owned by Mitch Benson was vandalized in the parking lot of the Costco warehouse in West Fargo, North Dakota. The incident was captured by the vehicle’s onboard cameras, which recorded a man approaching the parked Cybertruck and scratching the side door, leaving what appeared to be an “F” etched into the surface.
Benson, accompanied by his 16-year-old daughter, was inside Costco at the time of the incident. Upon returning to their vehicle, they discovered the damage and promptly reported the vandalism to the West Fargo Police Department. Benson also shared the footage on social media platforms, where it was widely circulated, aiding in the identification of the suspect.
The following morning, March 30, West Fargo police informed Benson that a suspect had been arrested in connection with the vandalism. The individual reportedly confessed to the act shortly after being taken into custody. At this time, the suspect’s identity has not been publicly released, and formal charges are pending.
This incident occurred on the same day as “Tesla Takedown” protests at dealerships nationwide, responding to CEO Elon Musk’s political affiliations. Benson noted that while he has received disapproving gestures while driving his Cybertruck, he had not anticipated such a direct act of vandalism.
The West Fargo Police Department continues to investigate the incident. As more information becomes available and formal charges are filed, updates will be provided to the public.
I’m Chris Harper, and I’m reporting for TRF News.
Did you know?
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A similar incident occurred in San Jose, California, where a man was arrested after keying a Tesla in a Costco parking lot.
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The Tesla Cybertruck, introduced by Tesla Motors, has garnered significant attention for its unique design and features since its announcement.
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Vandalism of vehicles, especially in public parking areas, is a criminal offense that can lead to serious legal consequences.
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Social media platforms play a crucial role in quickly disseminating information, aiding in the identification and apprehension of suspects in such cases.
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The “Tesla Takedown” protests highlight the intersection of personal beliefs and public actions, raising discussions about appropriate channels for expressing dissent.
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Vehicle-mounted cameras, like those in Teslas, provide valuable evidence in incidents of vandalism and other crimes, enhancing security for vehicle owners.