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Man arrested after striking ‘Tesla Takedown’ counter-protester with vehicle

The 70-year-old suspect made an obscene gesture toward a 49-year-old man before hitting him, Meridian Police stated

MERIDIAN, Idaho – A 70-year-old man has been charged with aggravated battery after allegedly hitting a counter-protester with his car during a demonstration outside a Tesla dealership, ABC News reported.

The incident occurred during a protest organized by an anti-Musk group as part of a nationwide series of “Tesla Takedown” rallies, according to the report. About 30 people attended the protest in Meridian, while roughly 200 counter-protesters showed up in response.

Police said the suspect made an obscene gesture toward a 49-year-old man before striking him with his vehicle, according to the report. The victim had arrived at the rally in a truck displaying pro-Trump flags and had just exited the vehicle when he was hit. He sustained non-life-threatening injuries and drove himself to a hospital.

Using the suspect’s license plate, police located him at his residence and later arrested him, according to the report. He was booked into the Ada County Jail on a felony charge of aggravated battery.



The protest comes amid heightened tensions surrounding Tesla and its CEO Elon Musk, who has taken a role in President Donald Trump’s second administration, according to the report. Tesla dealerships and vehicles have recently become targets of protests and vandalism across the country.

In a statement, Meridian police urged the public to respect First Amendment rights and refrain from violence during demonstrations.

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Joanna Putman is an Associate Editor and newswriter at Police1, where she has been covering law enforcement topics since August 2023. Based in Orlando, Florida, she holds a journalism degree from the University of Florida and spent two years working in nonprofit local newsrooms, gaining experience in community-focused reporting. Married to a law enforcement officer, she works hard to highlight the challenges and triumphs of those who serve and protect. Have a news tip? Email her at news@lexipol.com