A Texas man has been arrested after allegedly using an ATV to intentionally crash into multiple Tesla vehicles in a bizarre and costly act of vandalism. One of the targeted vehicles was later discovered with the word “ELON” carved into the paint—an apparent reference to Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
Caught on Camera
The suspect, 33-year-old Demarqeyun Marquize Cox, was taken into custody by the Texarkana Police Department after video footage captured him ramming a mini four-wheeler into a red Tesla outside a Chinese buffet. The vehicle’s owner, Virita Carstaffin, was alerted to the incident by a notification from her Tesla app and returned to find major damage to the driver’s side door, estimated at over $1,000.
“You don’t expect to be out for dinner and come back to find your car smashed in by an ATV,” Carstaffin said, frustrated at the senseless damage.
BUSTED: Large Texas man arrested after crashing mini 4-wheeler into parked Tesla vehicles across the city of Texarkana pic.twitter.com/08ihYzpXRJ
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) March 26, 2025
More Damage, More Arrests
Police say Cox didn’t stop at just one vehicle. A second Tesla was reported damaged at a nearby Lowe’s parking lot, and officers quickly recognized Cox from surveillance video. They located him roughly a mile away. He initially gave officers a false name before being positively identified and arrested.
He now faces charges of felony criminal mischief—with estimated damages between $2,500 and $30,000—and failure to identify, a charge often used when suspects give false information to law enforcement. His bond was set at $105,000.
Message in the Mayhem?
What’s most alarming is the discovery of a third vandalized Tesla, this one defaced with the name “ELON” crudely scratched into its side—a possible political statement or targeted act against Musk himself. The case may expand as police explore whether the attacks were part of a broader motive tied to anti-Musk sentiment, especially given Musk’s close working relationship with President Trump and his increasing visibility in national policy discussions.
Pattern of Political Vandalism?
This is not the first attack on Tesla vehicles in recent months. Similar acts of vandalism and even arson have been reported across the country, particularly since Musk joined the Trump administration as a senior adviser on technology and infrastructure. Federal authorities are reportedly monitoring these incidents as potential acts of domestic political intimidation.
President Trump has previously denounced these attacks, calling them “cowardly acts of hate” and vowing that those responsible “will face the full weight of the law.”
Bottom Line
The arrest of Demarqeyun Cox sheds light on a growing and disturbing trend of politically charged vandalism, with Tesla vehicles and Elon Musk increasingly in the crosshairs. As investigations continue, authorities warn that further arrests may follow—and that anyone targeting individuals or businesses based on political affiliation will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.