Avon Man Accused Of Drawing Swastika On Tesla: PD

AVON, CT — A local man is accused of drawing a swastika in black permanent marker on a white Tesla in March.

Police announced Monday they have charged Steven Lowell Weinberger, 40, of 75 Avonwood Rd., on a warrant with second-degree criminal mischief and second-degree breach of peace.

Police received a complaint about the vandalism on March 26 at 8:08 p.m.

The complainants told police they had been parked in a lot at 15 West Avon Rd. when someone used a black permanent marker to draw a swastika on the driver’s side door of their Tesla Model Y. They didn’t witness the vandalism, as they were in a restaurant at the time, according to Police Chief Paul J. Melanson.

The Tesla is equipped with security cameras. Police reviewed the footage, which showed a man wearing a black hooded sweatshirt approach the parked Tesla, police said.

The man can be seen looking around, then drawing the swastika on the car door before leaving the area. Police were able to determine the man was operating a white sedan, according to police.

Police ultimately were able to determine Weinberger was the individual responsible, police said. When interviewed by police, Weinberger told investigators he drew the swastika because he is upset with the current political climate in the country, according to police.

Elon Musk, who is heading President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency, is the car company’s co-founder and CEO, and Tesla vehicles have been targeted by vandals nationwide in recent weeks.

Police said Weinberger told them he did not know who owned the Tesla.

Weinberger was released on a $25,000 surety bond. He is due to appear in Hartford Community Court on April 30.