The U.S. Department of Justice announced Friday, April 18 that Owen McIntire, a 19-year-old Boston University student at Boston University in Massachusetts, was arrested and charged for bombing at a Tesla dealership during spring break.
McIntyre faces allegations of illegal possession of unregistered destructive devices and malicious damage to property used in interstate trade, according to federal criminal proceedings. The arson allegedly occurred on March 17 at a Tesla dealership in McIntyre’s hometown of Kansas City, when they were out of school.
Investigators said McIntire stayed away from the dealer, walked to the dealer, and lit the Molotov cocktail (made with apple cider vinegar and rag) before escaping the scene. The fire damaged two Seberak and two Tesla charging stations, with a total loss of more than $200,000.
Authorities were reminded when an officer noticed the smoke rising from Seibock. Surveillance footage and witness statements helped identify McIntyre, who wore a unique dark, flowing outfit and wide-brimmed hat. The suspect allegedly discarded a nearby hat and was later recycled and used for DNA testing.
Further evidence places photos of McIntyre in the area including photos of luggage at Kansas City International Airport when the attack occurred.
This marks the second arrest in a series of arson incidents targeting Tesla dealers in the United States.
