The Irvine Police Department on Friday continued asking for the public’s help in identifying a man suspected of vandalizing more than a dozen Teslas this week.
Police on Monday posted a video of a man seen spray painting a Tesla after entering a parking garage near Michelson Drive and Carlson Avenue at around 10:30 p.m. last Friday. At the time, the department said he was believed to have vandalized four vehicles.
On Friday, officials released a new surveillance video of the suspect who they say went to a nearby parking garage and spray-painted nine more Teslas the night before, bringing the total of vandalized vehicles to 13.
“So far, on the damage that we’re seeing is red spray paint across each of these Teslas, all with different kinds of messaging, but majority of them are all offensive language,” Irvine police Officer Ziggy Azarcon told NBC Los Angeles.
The suspect is described by officials as a man in his 20s or 30s with a possible tattoo above his right elbow.
Police are still investigating a possible motive but say it appears the suspect is only targeting Teslas.
Azarcon said the department has upped its patrols in the area after the incidents. The officer also urged community members to remember to park in well-lit, highly populated areas or in the garage when possible.
Anyone who recognizes the man is asked to contact Detective Noelle at BNoelle@cityofirvine.org.