A Texas man has been arrested after allegedly damaging multiple Tesla vehicles in Texarkana, with key evidence coming from Tesla’s advanced Sentry Mode security system. The suspect, identified as Demarqeyun Cox, 33, was taken into custody after footage surfaced showing him ramming a mini four-wheeler into a parked Tesla.
According to the Texarkana Police Department (TPD), Cox is being investigated for multiple acts of vandalism involving Tesla vehicles across the city. Authorities are working to determine whether he was involved in additional incidents that have been reported.
Police Link Suspect to Multiple Vandalism Cases
Cox has been charged with felony criminal mischief and failure to identify himself to authorities. As per local news outlet KETK-TV, he is currently being held on a $105,000 bond.
Texarkana Police Department Public Information Officer Shawn Vaughn told Fox News that Cox has been linked to several cases of vandalism within a short time frame. However, despite multiple damaged vehicles, he is only expected to face a single charge due to legal categorization.
“Basically, several incidents happened within a very short period of time there. So, it’s one charge, which enhances the penalty to a felony because the total damage cost is cumulative. That pushes it to felony-level criminal mischief,” Vaughn explained.
Tesla’s Sentry Mode Captures the Suspect in Action
Tesla’s Sentry Mode, an onboard security system with advanced cameras and sensors, played a crucial role in identifying the suspect. The footage clearly showed Cox riding a small ATV and deliberately slamming into a Tesla parked outside a Chinese restaurant.
Sentry Mode, designed to monitor surroundings when a vehicle is parked, has helped law enforcement in multiple cases nationwide, providing crystal-clear video evidence of vandalism and attempted thefts.
Suspect Allegedly Scratched “Elon” on Multiple Vehicles
In addition to the vehicular attack, Cox has also been accused of scratching the word “Elon” onto two separate Tesla vehicles. However, authorities have yet to determine whether his actions were politically motivated or if he was targeting Tesla vehicles intentionally.
According to Fox News, investigators are still reviewing evidence before determining whether the suspect’s actions were ideologically driven.
Increase in Tesla-Related Vandalism Across the U.S.
Cox’s arrest comes amid a nationwide rise in politically-motivated vandalism targeting Tesla vehicles and dealerships. Police received reports of yet another damaged Tesla shortly after Cox’s arrest, though it remains unclear whether he was connected to that specific incident.
Federal and local law enforcement agencies have been responding to a growing number of attacks against Tesla owners, with many cases allegedly linked to political motives.
DOJ Charges Left-Wing Activists in Tesla Attacks
The Department of Justice (DOJ) recently announced felony charges against three left-wing activists accused of attacking Tesla vehicles with explosive devices in Washington, Colorado, and North Carolina. These federal charges carry hefty mandatory minimum sentences, as authorities classify these incidents as deliberate attacks on Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk.
According to law enforcement officials, these crimes were politically driven, with suspects reportedly opposed to Musk’s involvement in the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Tesla Attacks Now Considered “Domestic Terrorism”
Under the Trump administration, politically-motivated attacks on Tesla have been classified as acts of domestic terrorism. In response, the DOJ has formed a specialized task force to investigate and crack down on individuals or groups targeting Tesla with vandalism, arson, and explosive devices.
As investigations continue, law enforcement officials warn that similar politically-driven attacks could increase, with authorities closely monitoring threats against Tesla and its executives.
Final Thoughts: Tesla’s Security Tech Helps Solve Crimes
Tesla’s Sentry Mode technology has once again proven to be a game-changer in identifying and preventing crime. As attacks on Tesla vehicles continue to rise, law enforcement and Tesla owners alike rely on high-tech surveillance systems to catch perpetrators in the act.
With the DOJ taking a stronger stance on Tesla-related vandalism, it remains to be seen how authorities will handle future incidents and whether more individuals will face serious legal consequences for targeting Tesla vehicles and properties.