Cybertruck fire at Mesa Tesla dealership: Suspected arsonist arrested

A man has been arrested after a Cybertruck was burned in a fire at a Mesa Tesla dealership early Monday morning.

What we know:

The Mesa Police Department says officers responded just before 2 a.m. on April 28 to a Tesla dealership near Sossaman Road and Southern Avenue for reports of an explosion.

"Additional callers reported smoke and flames coming from an area near the building, which ultimately was found to be a brand-new Tesla Cybertruck," police said.

Firefighters responded to the scene to extinguish the flames. 

"As crews began their attack on the vehicle fire additional crews made entry to the building to check the interior for smoke and heat," the department said. "The fire was contained to the vehicle on the exterior of the building."

Video from the scene showed the misspelled word "thief" painted on the side of a building.

No injuries were reported.

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A Cybertruck was burned in a fire at a Tesla dealership in Mesa on April 28 near Sossaman Road and Southern Avenue. Police say the fire is possible arson.

During their investigation, police say officers noticed a suspicious van parked nearby. Officers observed a bicyclist riding up to the van and opening the door.

The bicyclist was contacted by police and identified as 35-year-old Ian Moses.

"The Tesla Security Center provided photo evidence of the arson suspect and officers were able to match the photo to Moses," police said.

Moses was arrested and booked into jail. He's accused of arson.

What's next:

On April 29, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that federal charges would be brought against Moses.

"Today we are pleased to announce federal charges against a Tesla attacker arrested in Arizona," Bondi wrote on X. "If you engage in domestic terrorism, this Department of Justice will find you, follow the facts, and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law. No negotiating.

Dig deeper:

Multiple investigations have taken place following recent Tesla vandalism incidents nationwide.

Last month, the FBI launched a task force following a series of attacks on Tesla vehicles at dealerships and charging stations across the country.

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Map of where the fire happened

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