Flagstaff, Aliz. – Flagstaff police announced on March 30 that arrests were made in connection with a road rage incident involving a Tesla vehicle at the beginning of the month.
What we know:
In a statement, police responded to a report of a “road anger incident that escalated into a violent encounter” on March 19 at about 12:30pm, police said.
Investigators said the incident involving Tesla and Chevrolet Cavaliers began in the area near Butler Avenue and Milton Road and continued east along Route 66.
“The cabaret driver, who was later identified as Robert Arthurton, 33, of Flagstaff, drove in front of Tesla and stopped both vehicles on the road, read part of the statement. Arthurton left the car and approached the Tesla’s driver’s side. The conflict continued, and there were contradictory accounts from those involved about what happened.”
Police said both drivers suffered minor injuries.
“All parties involved argue that the incident was caused by a stimulating action, erupting, and disorderly hand gesture,” the official wrote.
“Mr. Arsette was arrested in lieu of detention, for criminal citation for disorderly conduct, assault and aggressive driving in order to seek medical attention for his hand injury,” reads part of the statement.
Tesla is at the heart of recent controversy by company owners
Flagstaff police officers said at this time that “no additional details regarding the motivation behind the incident have been provided,” but Tesla has recently been at the centre of the controversy due to political activities involving company owner Elon Musk.
Backstory:
On March 19, The Associated Press reported that attacks on real estate carrying the Tesla logo occurred in the US and abroad. Protests are being held outside Tesla dealers too For the same reason.
The demonstration was part of an increase in backlash in North America and Europe against Musk’s role as head of the so-called Office of Government Efficiency (DOGE), gaining access to sensitive data when trying to cut government spending and shutting down the entire institution.
