The FBI’s Seattle Field Office, in collaboration with the Lacey Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ Seattle Field Division, is seeking public assistance in identifying the individual responsible for causing substantial damage to a Tesla Supercharger station in Lacey. The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. on April 8 at the Tesla Supercharger site located on Sleater Kinney Road Southeast. The fire resulted in significant damage to the charging facility and its immediate surroundings.
Authorities suspect that the individual involved may have suffered injuries due to proximity to the explosion or intense heat. These injuries could include burns, a concussion, or wounds from shrapnel. The suspect is described as a white male, standing between 5 feet 10 inches and 6 feet 2 inches tall. He was reportedly wearing a dark hooded jacket, gray pants, and a face covering at the time. Notably, he walked with a distinctive limp, characterized by his right leg kicking out and occasionally holding his right hand behind his back. He was also carrying a white bag that appeared to be plastic.
Officials are urging residents and businesses in the vicinity of the South Sound Center, including the Target and Kohl’s stores, as well as the Chehalis Western and Woodland Creek Trails, to review any doorbell or security camera footage from the late evening hours of April 7 through the early morning of April 8. Investigators are particularly interested in obtaining any images or videos of the suspect walking or entering a vehicle.
In support of the investigation, the FBI Seattle office has established a Digital Media Tipline to facilitate public contributions of photos, videos, or other pertinent recordings. This resource is accessible at fbi.gov/lacey-tesla-arson. Individuals who recognize the suspect or possess information regarding the fire are encouraged to contact the FBI by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), submitting a tip online at tips.fbi.gov, or reaching out to the Lacey Police Department at (360) 459-4333. Tips can also be provided to any local FBI office or the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Community Impact
The incident at the Tesla Supercharger station in Lacey holds significant implications for both the local community and the broader efforts to promote sustainable transportation. The damage to the charging station disrupts the accessibility of electric vehicle infrastructure, which is vital for supporting the transition to environmentally friendly transportation options. This event highlights the vulnerability of such infrastructure to acts of vandalism, potentially affecting consumer confidence and the broader adoption of electric vehicles.
Residents and businesses in the area could experience heightened concerns regarding safety and security, given the nature of the incident and the potential for similar occurrences in the future. Increased vigilance in the community and potential enhancements to security measures may be necessary to deter further incidents. Additionally, the involvement of federal and local authorities underscores the seriousness of the investigation and the need for community support in identifying those responsible and preventing future attacks.