{"id":785288,"date":"2026-07-26T10:06:23","date_gmt":"2026-07-26T10:06:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/785288\/"},"modified":"2026-07-26T10:06:23","modified_gmt":"2026-07-26T10:06:23","slug":"socal-police-hunt-for-vandal-who-spray-painted-13-teslas-in-one-week","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/785288\/","title":{"rendered":"SoCal police hunt for vandal who spray-painted 13 Teslas in one week"},"content":{"rendered":"

The anti-Elon Musk fever gripping California <\/a>claimed another target this week after a vandal allegedly spray-painted 13 Teslas in Irvine \u2014 and police say he is still at it.<\/p>\n

According to the Irvine Police Department, the suspect first struck around 10:30 p.m. last Friday inside a parking garage near Michelson Drive and Carlson Avenue, where surveillance video allegedly shows him spray-painting a Tesla.<\/p>\n

Three other Teslas parked nearby were also found vandalized.<\/p>\n

Three other Teslas parked nearby were also found vandalized. Facebook\/@Irvine Police Department<\/p>\n

Surveillance shows him spray-painting a Tesla. Facebook\/@Irvine Police Department<\/p>\n

A vandal allegedly spray-painted 13 Teslas in Irvine. REUTERS<\/p>\n

Many have plastered their vehicles with anti-Musk bumper stickers declaring, \u201cI bought this before Elon went crazy\u201d or \u201cAnti-Elon Tesla Club.\u201d Christopher Sadowski<\/p>\n

Investigators say the suspect later returned to the same garage and allegedly spray-painted nine more Teslas, bringing the total to 13 damaged vehicles over the course of the week.<\/p>\n

Police are asking the public to help identify him.<\/p>\n

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In California\u2019s liberal enclaves, a Tesla in the driveway is no longer a badge of eco-pride<\/a>; it is a black mark. <\/p>\n

Many have plastered their vehicles with anti-Musk bumper stickers declaring, \u201cI bought this before Elon went crazy\u201d or \u201cAnti-Elon Tesla Club,\u201d an attempt to signal to fellow Democrats that they may drive the car, but they don\u2019t support the man<\/a> behind it.<\/p>\n

Even prominent state leaders have put distance between themselves and Musk.<\/p>\n

Gov. Gavin Newsom and San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie have embraced Rivian vehicles<\/a> as Tesla\u2019s image has become increasingly toxic in many blue circles following Musk\u2019s close alignment with President Trump.<\/p>\n

Even prominent Democratic politicians have put distance between themselves and Musk. Getty Images<\/p>\n

Tesla\u2019s image has become increasingly toxic in many blue circles. AP Photo\/Jae C. Hong<\/p>\n

According to the Irvine Police Department, the suspect first struck around 10:30 p.m. Facebook\/@Irvine Police Department<\/p>\n

Authorities have not announced a motive. <\/p>\n

Not only are Teslas getting actively targeted in the Golden State, but Musk and his primary automotive venture are also absorbing a massive financial beating on Wall Street as of late.<\/p>\n

Tesla just suffered its worst week since the 2020<\/a> pandemic with an 18% crash, while Musk watched a staggering $650 billion of his personal fortune evaporate<\/a> in just five weeks.<\/p>\n

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