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A woman has been arrested after police say she was caught with explosives at a Tesla dealership in Loveland, Colorado.
Authorities believe she may be connected to a string of recent vandalism incidents targeting the dealership.
Lucy Grace Nelson, 40, was taken into custody late Monday night after allegedly returning to the Tesla location with incendiary devices and vandalism materials.
"Detectives apprehended Nelson prior to further damage occurring," the Loveland Police Department (LPD) stated in a press release on Wednesday.
The arrest follows an investigation that began on January 29, after multiple acts of vandalism were reported at the dealership.
According to AP News, court documents reveal that the dealership had been defaced with graffiti, including the phrase "Nazi cars," and that Molotov cocktails had been thrown at several vehicles.
Security footage captured someone igniting incendiary devices and hurling them at Tesla sedans, causing extensive damage.
At least four vehicles, worth a total of $220,000, were damaged by the attacks, according to the affidavit.
A woman in Colorado has been arrested after police caught her with explosives at a Tesla dealership, authorities said.
— ABC News (@ABC) February 27, 2025
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Colorado Woman Arrested for Tesla Dealership Attack, Released on Bond
Nelson was charged with using explosives during a felony, criminal mischief, and attempting to commit a Class 3 felony.
She was booked into the Larimer County Jail and issued a $100,000 cash surety bond. However, she posted bond and was released on Tuesday, ABC News said.
Authorities have not determined a clear motive for the attacks, but LPD spokesperson Chris Padgett said that targeting Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk, "is a reasonable suspicion." Police are also investigating the possibility of a second suspect.
Surveillance footage from one of the six reported incidents suggested that another individual, with a smaller build than Nelson, may have been involved.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is now working alongside local police, and federal charges may soon follow.
"The Loveland Police Department continues to work closely with the ATF's Denver Field Division, with federal charges likely to follow," authorities confirmed.
The Loveland Tesla dealership has yet to comment on the situation, and Tesla did not respond to a request for a statement. Meanwhile, police urge anyone with information about the vandalism incidents to come forward as the investigation remains ongoing.
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