Vandalism at DFW Airport: Tesla Owner Sues for $1 Million in Damages
A Dallas County resident is suing for $1 million in damages after a man keyed his Tesla while it was parked at DFW International Airport.
Jeff Nguyen first posted about the vandalism on Facebook on March 16 and spoke with CBS News last week in an effort to identify the perpetrator.
According to a lawsuit filed in Tarrant County District Court on Tuesday, the Tesla owner, identified as “J.N.” in the suit, parked his 2022 Tesla Model X at DFW Airport on March 13. When he returned to the car three days later, he noticed a “deep engraving or indentation” on the passenger side of the vehicle, according to the suit.
Pictures of the damage were redacted from DFW Airport police’s incident report.
The Investigation and Arrest
Videos from the Tesla’s built-in cameras showed a man drag what appeared to be a key across the side of the car as he walked by. Nguyen posted the video to social media, where it gained traction, including being amplified by president Donald Trump’s son Donald Trump Jr.
In a March 19 post on Facebook, Nguyen said, “The power of the internet is definitely real. The individual responsible for keying my car at the airport has been identified, and that information is now in the hands of law enforcement.”
Tarrant County arrest records indicate Frisco resident Rafael Humberto Hernandez was booked into Tarrant County jail on Saturday, March 22 and charged with criminal mischief causing pecuniary loss of $2,500 or more but less than $30,000. This is considered a state jail felony, according to the Texas Criminal Defense Group, and is punishable by 180 days to two years in a state jail facility and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
The Civil Suit
Hernandez is also named as the defendant in the civil suit but has not been served yet. The suit is seeking $1 million in damages, citing property damage, emotional distress, mental anguish and others such as attorney’s fees and court costs.
The suit alleges that the incident is part of the “Tesla Takedown” movement, in which people are partaking in actions against Tesla dealerships and vehicles in objection to Elon Musk’s role in the Trump Administration.
Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency has come under fire for its budget-slashing actions such as its attempted dismantling of USAID, firing of National Park Service employees and cuts to the Social Security Administration.
Publicity and Harassment
According to the suit, the publicity of the incident after it took off on social media, in addition to that of other similar incidents involving Teslas, has made the plaintiff a “target and victim of continued harassment and intimidation.”
Steven Schulte, an attorney with the Nachawati Legal Group in Dallas representing the Tesla owner, said Trump Jr.’s post about the incident triggered backlash against his client, aggravated by political unrest. His client’s purchase of the Tesla was not political, he said.
While $1 million in damages may seem like a lot for exterior car damage, Schulte says the final number will be up to a jury and part of the reason for the suit is to deter more of these sorts of incidents from happening.
“My client has been a Tesla owner for a number of years, and he likes the car. He’s a car enthusiast,” Schulte said. “No one in the United States should ever be targeted simply because they own a certain type of vehicle.”
Related Incidents
Posts, comments from friends and strangers poured in for teen who was killed Wednesday after being stabbed at a Frisco ISD track meet.
A 17-year-old student was in custody facing a murder charge after the death of Austin Metcalf, officials said.
Yizhak Sabo, 43, was arrested Tuesday, Dallas police said.
Conclusion
The incident at DFW Airport highlights the growing trend of vandalism and harassment against Tesla owners and the company as a whole. The “Tesla Takedown” movement has sparked a wave of attacks on Tesla dealerships and vehicles, with some incidents resulting in significant damage and even violence.
The civil suit filed by the Tesla owner seeks $1 million in damages, citing property damage, emotional distress, and mental anguish. The case is ongoing, and it remains to be seen how the court will rule.
FAQs
Q: What happened to the Tesla at DFW Airport?
A: The Tesla was keyed by a man while it was parked at DFW Airport, resulting in significant damage to the vehicle.
Q: Who is the suspect in the case?
A: Rafael Humberto
