Bradenton Police Arrest Suspect in Tesla Vandalism Case at Pinebrook Commons
A Bradenton man is in custody after police linked him to the vandalism of three Tesla vehicles at the Pinebrook Commons shopping plaza on Cortez Road West.
The Bradenton Police Department's Crime Reduction Team arrested 48-year-old Jeffrey Jones on Thursday night. He faces three counts of felony criminal mischief and is being held at the Manatee County Jail on a $150,000 bond.
The investigation began on the evening of March 11, when officers were called to the 4700 block of Cortez Road W. after three Tesla owners reported their vehicles had been keyed. Two affected cars were parked near a restaurant, while a third was on the opposite side of the parking lot. The total damage is estimated to exceed $11,000.
Surveillance footage from the shopping plaza captured a black Chevy Trax, identifiable by a rear window sticker circling the lot around 7 p.m. The video showed the vehicle pausing near the Teslas before parking on the west side, close to the third vehicle. A man was then seen walking toward the restaurant and returning minutes later.
Detectives traced the vehicle to Jones, who owned a black Chevy Trax that matched the description. His appearance also aligned with the image of the suspect captured by one of the Teslas. He was arrested at his residence without incident.
Jones has not made a statement regarding the case.
