West Fargo, ND – A Fargo resident, Ryan Lyle Williams, 25, has been arrested and charged with felony criminal mischief following an incident in which he allegedly vandalized a Tesla Cybertruck parked outside the Costco in West Fargo. The arrest was made after the vehicle’s owner reported significant damage to the passenger side of the vehicle.
Incident Details
On Saturday, March 29, 2025, at approximately 2:00 p.m., Mitch Benson, the owner of the Tesla Cybertruck, visited the Costco located at 750 23rd Avenue East in West Fargo. After spending time shopping with his 16-year-old daughter, Benson returned to his vehicle to discover a deep scratch along the passenger side door, forming the letter “F.” The damage was indicative of keying, a form of vandalism where a sharp object is used to scratch the surface of a vehicle.
Benson’s Cybertruck, equipped with Tesla’s Sentry Mode, captured video footage of the incident. The footage revealed a male suspect approaching the vehicle and deliberately scratching the door with an object. Concerned about the brazen nature of the act, Benson promptly reported the incident to the West Fargo Police Department.
Investigation and Arrest
Upon receiving the report, West Fargo Police officers reviewed the surveillance footage from the Tesla’s Sentry Mode and coordinated with Costco management to examine additional security camera footage from the parking lot. The combined video evidence allowed investigators to identify the suspect’s vehicle, which was traced back to Ryan Lyle Williams of Fargo.
Officers located Williams at his residence and, during questioning, he reportedly admitted to keying the Tesla Cybertruck. Following his confession, Williams was taken into custody without incident. The case has been forwarded to the Cass County State’s Attorney’s Office, where felony criminal mischief charges have been filed.
Legal Implications
In North Dakota, felony criminal mischief is defined under North Dakota Century Code (NDCC) § 12.1-21-05 as intentionally causing damage to another’s property exceeding a specified monetary threshold. Given the high value of Tesla vehicles and the extent of the damage, the offense qualifies as a felony. If convicted, Williams could face significant penalties, including substantial fines and imprisonment.
Community Response
The incident has sparked discussions within the West Fargo community regarding respect for personal property and the implications of vandalism. Tesla vehicles, particularly the Cybertruck with its distinctive design, have garnered attention and, in some cases, polarized opinions. Benson noted that while he has previously received disapproving looks and gestures while driving his Cybertruck, this act of vandalism was unprecedented. He expressed concern about the escalation of such behaviors and the potential for further incidents.
Tesla’s Sentry Mode: A Deterrent Against Vandalism
Tesla’s Sentry Mode is an integrated surveillance system that uses the vehicle’s external cameras to monitor the surroundings when the car is parked. When activated, Sentry Mode can detect potential threats, record footage, and alert the owner via the Tesla mobile app. In this case, the feature played a crucial role in capturing evidence of the vandalism, aiding law enforcement in identifying and apprehending the suspect.
Preventative Measures and Recommendations
Local law enforcement agencies recommend the following measures to prevent vehicle vandalism:
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Utilize Vehicle Surveillance Systems: Owners of vehicles equipped with surveillance features, like Tesla’s Sentry Mode, should ensure these systems are activated when parked.
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Park in Well-Lit Areas: Choosing parking spots in well-lit and populated areas can deter potential vandals.
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Report Suspicious Activity: Community members are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior to local authorities promptly.
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Community Engagement: Building a community culture that values respect for personal property can reduce instances of vandalism.
Ongoing Investigation
While Williams has been charged, the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities are exploring potential motives behind the vandalism and whether there is any connection to broader movements or protests. Notably, the incident coincided with a day designated as “Tesla Takedown Day” by certain protest groups, aimed at expressing dissent towards Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk, due to his involvement in political activities. However, no direct link has been established between Williams and these groups at this time.
Statements from Authorities
West Fargo Police Chief Denis Otterness emphasized the department’s commitment to upholding community standards and protecting residents’ property. He stated, “Acts of vandalism undermine the sense of safety and respect within our community. We take these incidents seriously and will pursue appropriate legal action to hold offenders accountable.”
Tesla Community’s Reaction
The Tesla owner community has expressed solidarity with Benson, highlighting concerns over targeted vandalism against Tesla vehicles. Online forums and social media platforms have seen discussions about similar incidents, with owners sharing experiences and advice on safeguarding their vehicles.
Conclusion
The arrest of Ryan Lyle Williams serves as a reminder of the legal and social consequences of property vandalism. The integration of advanced surveillance technology in vehicles, such as Tesla’s Sentry Mode, has proven instrumental in deterring such acts and assisting law enforcement in their investigations. As the case proceeds through the legal system, it underscores the importance of community vigilance and respect for personal property.