A couple from Vero Beach, Florida, is expressing increasing alarm over a series of unsettling incidents involving their Tesla vehicle. Clarence and his wife, who regularly park at a local hospital where she works, have experienced two troubling encounters with the same individual.

Initial Incident: Spitting on the Vehicle

About a month ago, their Tesla’s camera system captured a man spitting on the driver’s side window. “The car gives you alerts when anybody’s around the car or somebody does something to the car,” Clarence explained. Upon reviewing the footage, they found the window covered in saliva, which sparked their decision to report the matter to the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office (IRCSO).

Second Encounter: Vandalism

Weeks later, the same individual appeared again, this time captured on video walking towards the car, allegedly scratching a symbol into its bodywork. “He approaches the car, looks around, and leans onto the vehicle as he scratches,” Clarence recounted. This alarming behavior prompted further action from the couple, who have now escalated their concerns to local law enforcement.

Community Safety and Investigation

The IRCSO is currently investigating the incidents and seeks assistance from the public to identify the individual depicted in the video. The couple has voiced their fears that the man’s actions may escalate, highlighting a general sense of unease surrounding the situation. “When somebody comes back, it gives you an even heightened level of concern for escalation,” Clarence stated.

Wider Context of Tesla Targeting

These incidents are part of a broader trend, with reports emerging throughout the nation of vandalism targeting Teslas. Earlier this year, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced a task force aimed at addressing “violent Tesla attacks,” amid rising incidents of property damage, including Molotov cocktails being thrown at Tesla showrooms.

Community Call for Action

Clarence expressed his desire for swift resolution: “We hope that the guy is identified, and that the sheriff’s office talks to him, and takes appropriate action.” The IRCSO has encouraged anyone with relevant information to contact them directly at 772-978-6240 or reach out to Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-800-273-8477.