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Irvine police are actively seeking a suspect responsible for the vandalism of 13 Tesla vehicles across separate incidents at a commercial plaza located on Michelson Drive. The investigation centers on a male suspect captured on surveillance video who targeted multiple vehicles with spray paint, marking them with offensive terms including 'Nazi' and 'Fascist.' The first incident occurred around 10:30 p.m. last Friday in a parking garage near an LA Fitness gym. Surveillance footage shows the suspect shaking a can of spray paint and pulling his shirt over his mouth before vandalizing four Teslas. One victim reported that his vehicle was marked in large red letters. A second incident occurred less than a week later at a different parking garage within the same plaza, where the suspect vandalized nine additional Teslas with similar hate speech. Investigators believe the incidents were committed by the same individual based on consistent physical features, particularly the suspect's shoes and a tattoo located behind his right elbow. Irvine Police Officer Ziggy Azarcon described the case as unique and emphasized the department's urgency in identifying the man. The vandalism has caused significant distress and inconvenience for victims, with some unable to drive their vehicles for several days until professional paint removal services were secured. While one victim noted that the damage was repaired for free by a stranger offended by the act, the community remains on high alert. Police have released images of the suspect and have already received multiple tips from the public. Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the suspect's identity or location to contact the Irvine Police Department. Detective Noelle can be reached directly at BNoelle@cityofirvine.org. The investigation is ongoing, and police hope to apprehend the suspect before further vehicles are targeted.
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