CRIME BLOTTER

FBI intensifies manhunt for suspect in Lacey Tesla attack, labeling it ‘domestic terrorism’

Apr 15, 2025, 1:50 PM | Updated: 1:53 pm

Tesla press conference...

Authorities hold a press conference regarding a Tesla charging station attack in Lacey. (Photo courtesy of the FBI)

(Photo courtesy of the FBI)

The FBI Seattle Field Office announced at a press conference Tuesday that it is intensifying the search for a suspect connected to a Tesla charging station attack in Lacey. FBI officials say they’re treating this as a domestic terrorist incident.

While they did not report much new information about the attack, FBI officials hoped to refocus the spotlight on the incident in hopes that anyone with video evidence would come forward.

Authorities say they are looking for a white man approximately 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet 2 inches tall. The man also has a slight limp. The FBI is also looking for a gray 2016 to 2019 Tesla Model X that was near the incident and may be able to provide footage.

Anyone in the area of the Target and Kohl’s stores in the South Sound Center on Monday night into Tuesday morning on April 8 at 1:34am, including along the Chehalis Western and Woodland Creek Trails, is being asked to review doorbell and security camera surveillance footage. It may show the suspect walking or accessing a car from Monday evening to Tuesday morning.

Those with information are asked to contact the FBI’s toll-free tip line at 1-800-225-5324 or submit a tip online on the FBI’s website.

Lacey officers dispatched to ‘explosion’ at EV charging station

The charging station was targeted in an early-morning attack last week. While no one suffered any injuries, there was “extensive damage.” Lacey Police were “dispatched to a report or reports of a loud explosion coming from the electric vehicle charging station in the parking lot of the South Sound Center in front of the Target story.”

“Officers arrived and found extensive damage to the electric vehicle charging station,” Detective Sergeant Jeremy Knight confirmed to “The Jason Rantz Show” on KTTH.

Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle, said Tuesday that the FBI is treating the incident as domestic terrorism, even though the intent has not yet been confirmed.

Contributing: Frank Sumrall, MyNorthwest

Follow Julia Dallas on X. Read her stories here. Submit news tips here.

Crime Blotter

Kirkland stolen property...

Jason Sutich

Kirkland police recover more than $30K in stolen property across King County

More than $30,000 in stolen property connected to burglaries and vehicle prowls was recently recovered across several King County cities.

11 minutes ago

speed cameras vandalized...

James Lynch

Vandals target Bellevue’s new speed cameras

Just weeks after new speed cameras went up, the Bellevue Police Department said vandals have already started targeting them.

1 hour ago

Parkland bar shooting...

James Lynch

Dozens flee as shots fired out outside Parkland bar

Pierce County deputies are asking for the public’s help after a chaotic early morning shooting outside a packed Parkland bar.

2 hours ago

Seattle Montana family killed...

Associated Press

Former Seattle man killed 8 relatives, including 4 kids, at Sunday dinner in Montana, family says

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A former Seattle man killed eight of his relatives, including four children, as they gathered for Sunday dinner at a home outside Billings, Montana, weeks after his parents asked him to move out, a family member told The Associated Press.

19 hours ago

WA governor threat kill charge...

James Lynch

Man charged with threatening to kill WA governor after laying out detailed plan

A 34-year-old man with a history of violent offenses has been charged in King County with threatening to kill Washington Governor Robert Ferguson.

24 hours ago

bridgeport stabbing...

Jake Renn, KIRO 7 News

Man stabbed at Bridgeport Quik E Mart, four suspects arrested

Douglas County deputies were sent to a Bridgeport Quik E Mart last Monday, Aug. 17, after reports of a stabbing.

1 day ago

FBI intensifies manhunt for suspect in Lacey Tesla attack, labeling it ‘domestic terrorism’