Crime
36-year-old Paul Hyon Kim Arrested for Tesla Service Center Arson and Vandalism in Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS, NV – A 36-year-old man accused of setting multiple Tesla vehicles on fire using Molotov cocktails has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies, according to court and jail records.
The suspect, identified as Paul Hyon Kim, was booked into the Clark County Detention Center on Wednesday.
He faces 15 charges, including:
- Arson,
- Destruction of property valued at $5,000 or more,
- Possession of an incendiary device, and
- Misdemeanor discharging a firearm into a vehicle.
Video footage from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) showed a suspect, dressed in black, targeting at least five Tesla vehicles in the parking lot of a Tesla service center located at 6260 Badura Avenue, near Jones Boulevard and the 215 Beltway.
The incident occurred around 2:45 a.m. on February 18.
Authorities say the suspect used multiple incendiary devices to ignite the Teslas, one of which failed to detonate and was recovered inside a vehicle.
Additionally, the front doors of the facility were vandalized with the word “RESIST” spray-painted across them.
During a news conference later that morning, Assistant Sheriff Dori Koren described the attack as a targeted assault on Tesla property, with potential ideological motivations.
“This was a targeted attack against a Tesla facility,” Koren stated. “While we believe this was an isolated incident, we are increasing our presence at Tesla-related locations throughout the valley as a precaution.”
The Clark County Fire Department and the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force are actively involved in the investigation.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Spencer Evans acknowledged the attack had “some of the hallmarks of terrorism” but refrained from making a definitive classification.
Attorney General Pam Bondi, however, released a strongly worded statement, referring to the attack as part of a pattern of violence targeting Tesla facilities.
“The swarm of violent attacks on Tesla property is nothing short of domestic terrorism,” Bondi stated.
Kim remains in custody as the investigation continues.
Authorities urge anyone with additional information to contact Las Vegas Metro Police or the FBI.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Hundreds of students and community members are mourning the death of Erik Spencer, who was fatally shot at a shopping center in Jefferson City on November 1.
Authorities have confirmed Spencer’s death but have not yet released details regarding the individual responsible for the shooting.
Multiple witness accounts suggest the shooter may have been a white male, reportedly described by some as a possible off-duty police officer.
According to witnesses, the incident occurred as Erik and his girlfriend were leaving a store when a verbal argument broke out between them.
The male individual allegedly intervened, despite being told that the situation was under control.
Moments later, witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots, striking Erik.
Friends and witnesses at the scene stated that Erik did not pose any threat to the shooter and that the confrontation escalated unnecessarily.
Law enforcement agencies have not confirmed the shooter’s identity, whether he is affiliated with law enforcement, or if he has been detained or turned himself in.
The Jefferson City Police Department and local investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Community members have since gathered for vigils and memorials to honor Erik’s memory as the investigation remains active and ongoing.