Tesla Vandal’s Bail Set at $150K, According to Bradenton Police

BRADENTON, FL — Authorities apprehended a man on Thursday night suspected of vandalizing three Tesla vehicles at the Pinebrook Commons shopping plaza last month, according to a news release from the Bradenton Police Department.

Jeffrey Jones, 48, faces three counts of felony criminal mischief. He is currently detained at the Manatee County Jail, with his bond set at $150,000, as reported by police.

The investigation began when three Tesla owners reported their cars had been “keyed” on March 11 around 8:15 p.m.

At the time, two Teslas were parked beside each other close to a restaurant, while the third was located on the west side of the parking lot. The vandalism occurred between 6 and 8 p.m., leading to damages exceeding $11,000.

Security footage captured a black Chevy Trax with a rear window sticker circling the parking lot around 7 p.m. The SUV stopped momentarily near the Teslas and later parked closer to the third vehicle before the driver walked toward the restaurant and returned shortly thereafter.

Detectives linked Jones to the crime, identifying that he owns a black Trax matching the description and sticker seen in the video. Furthermore, his appearance coincided with the profile of the suspect recorded by one of the Teslas. After his arrest, Jones declined to provide a statement to investigators.

Police are urging anyone with information on this case to contact Detective William Mulligan at
william.mulligan@bradentonpd.com or 941-932-9313. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at manateecrimestoppers.com.

Key Information

• Suspect: Jeffrey Jones, 48
• Charges: Three counts of felony criminal mischief
• Location: Pinebrook Commons shopping plaza, Cortez Road West
• Date of Vandalism: March 11
• Timeframe of Incident: Between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
• Estimated Damage: Over $11,000
• Bond Amount: $150,000
• Contact for Information: Detective William Mulligan
• Anonymous Tips: Crime Stoppers at manateecrimestoppers.com