A woman is suspected of carrying out a series of vandalism acts at a Colorado Tesla dealership, which included throwing Molotov cocktails at vehicles, spray-painting “Nazi cars” on the building, and leaving a message that appeared to target Tesla founder Elon Musk, according to court documents.
Lucy Grace Nelson was arrested on Monday in Loveland after police say she returned to the dealership with additional incendiary devices and materials used for vandalism. Authorities are still investigating her motive, according to police spokesperson Chris Padgett.
This incident has raised concerns among both Democrats and some Republicans about Musk’s influence on the administration of former President Donald Trump, and follows recent protests at Tesla facilities across the U.S.
Nelson faces state charges for using an incendiary device or explosives during a felony, criminal mischief, and attempted felony related to the vandalism. Police are also working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and federal charges are expected.
Lucy Grace Nelson, who posted bond and was released from jail on Tuesday, did not respond to a phone message on Wednesday.
The arrest affidavit detailing the evidence against Nelson suggests the possibility of a second person being involved. Surveillance footage from one of the six incidents since January 29 shows an individual with a smaller build than Nelson, but Nelson was identified as the person seen in other footage.
Police spokesperson Chris Padgett confirmed that authorities are looking into the possibility of another person being involved but declined to provide further details due to the ongoing federal investigation.
In one of the incidents, the affidavit states that someone spray-painted an obscenity believed to be aimed at Elon Musk before a security guard chased them away.
Security footage from the Tesla dealership showed someone throwing Molotov cocktails at a row of Tesla sedans. The affidavit revealed that at least four vehicles, valued at a total of $220,000, were damaged by these incendiary devices, which were made using empty liquor bottles. When Nelson was arrested, police found cans of spray paint, gasoline, bottles, and cloth pieces in her car that could be used to soak up an accelerant.
A woman who answered the phone at the Tesla dealership in Loveland declined to comment, and Tesla did not respond to an email requesting a statement.