7:20 PM PDT April 15, 2025 Updated: 7:20 PM PDT April 15, 2025 LACEY, Wash. — After months of Teslas being vandalized across western Washington, the FBI is releasing new details about what they need to solve the latest case out of Lacey. On Tuesday, FBI agents and Lacey police held a press conference to ask the public for help. “The public are our eyes and ears in a case like this,” said Mike Herrington with FBI Seattle. It’s a case that has many Tesla owners fearing for their safety. An explosion happened at the Tesla charging station in the Target parking lot off Sleater Kinney Road Southeast around 1:30 a.m. on April 8. It sent shrapnel flying hundreds of feet in the air. It also ripped through this transformer and damaged a charging unit. "It's definitely scary and unfortunate,” said Ben Worthington. “Sad to see people go to those lows and taking their emotions out like that on other people's vehicles." Worthington lives in Lacey and has owned his Tesla for five years. He never thought he would be a target in his own community until last week. "That's terrifying. Luckily no one got hurt in the incident. But yeah, that's really scary stuff," said Worthington. Herrington said the FBI is treating the case as "if it were a domestic terrorism incident," adding the FBI doesn't know the motive behind the crime. The FBI obtained surveillance video of the man they believe is responsible. It captured him walking with a distinct limp, carrying a white bag before the crime took place. The suspect may have burns and other injuries from the blast. Agents are also looking for a witness who could be key in the case. "We're looking for a 2016 – 2019 Tesla Model X, gray to dark gray in color that was spotted at the charging station prior to and during the arson incident,” said Herrington. “This vehicle is not believed to be involved in the incident." The FBI is teaming up with the Lacey Police Department to find the suspect. Worthington is hopeful that man will be caught soon. "Hope things cool down. Nothing like this happens again and no more incidents will have in the future." If you have any tips, pictures or videos regarding the case you’re asked to send it to: fbi.gov/lacey-tesla-arson Close Ad