DULUTH, GA – A woman is facing serious legal repercussions after allegedly causing significant damage to a Tesla dealership in Duluth. According to police, Alexa Beckstead is accused of shooting out the windows of the dealership with a BB gun, resulting in an estimated $20,000 in damages.
Authorities reported that the incident occurred in the early hours of April 28 on Satellite Boulevard. Surveillance footage indicates that Beckstead fired a semi-automatic BB gun from a moving vehicle, shattering the windows of the dealership. The police managed to track down and arrest Beckstead on May 1, utilizing video evidence from both external cameras and one of the Tesla vehicles on site.
While the investigation is ongoing, police have yet to determine whether Beckstead was driving the vehicle or if she was a passenger during the incident. Additionally, the motive behind the attack remains unclear. The incident has raised concerns among Tesla owners and the broader community about the potential for targeted attacks against the brand.
Tesla, known for its high-profile CEO Elon Musk, has occasionally been a focal point for public discontent. Some individuals have expressed frustration with Musk’s perceived influence in political and economic spheres, as well as his leadership style, which has sometimes led to controversial business decisions.
Miriam Don, a Tesla owner, shared her own experience of being targeted by road rage, suggesting that owning a Tesla can sometimes attract negative attention. She recounted an incident where another driver yelled and acted aggressively towards her, seemingly due to her choice of vehicle.
Despite the recent incident, Gwinnett County police note that reports of Teslas being targeted in the area are rare. Beckstead has been released on an $11,200 bond and faces charges of second-degree criminal damage to property.
The case underscores the challenges faced by high-profile brands in navigating public perception and maintaining security for their products and customers.