Mesa Tesla dealership fire is possible arson, police say

MESA, Ariz. – A fire at a Mesa Tesla dealership is being investigated as possible arson, police said.

What we know:

The fire broke out at 2 a.m. on April 28 near Sossaman Road and Southern Avenue.

The Mesa Fire and Medical Department says crews responded after multiple people reported seeing smoke and flames coming from the dealership. When firefighters got to the scene, they found a Cybertruck on fire.

“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.

Hampton Avenue is restricted in the area due to the investigation.

What we don’t know:

The cause of the fire is unknown, but police say it may be arson. Police did not release any information on possible suspects.

What’s next:

Police, firefighters, the ATF and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office are investigating the incident.

Recent crimes involving Teslas nationwide

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.

Map of where the fire happened

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