The Minneapolis man caught on video vandalizing multiple Tesla vehicles will not face criminal charges for now, according to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office. Dylan Adams, 33, works for the Minnesota Department of Human Services and is accused of causing upwards of $21,000 worth of damage to six Teslas.
Police arrested Adams last week after reviewing surveillance video showing a man keying Teslas in downtown Minneapolis. His attorneys say he’s “remorseful” of his actions.
Prosecutors pursue diversion program
“Our main priorities are to secure restitution for the victims and hold Mr. Adams accountable,” Hennepin County Attorney’s Office spokesman Daniel Borgertpoepping said in a statement released to local media outlets Monday, April 21. “As a result, we will file for pre-charge diversion to best facilitate both of those goals. This is an approach taken in many property crime cases and helps to ensure the individual keeps their job and can pay restitution, as well as reducing the likelihood of repeat offenses. Criminal prosecution remains a possibility should unlawful behavior continue.”
Minneapolis police express frustration
Police Chief Brian O’Hara issued a statement conveying his frustration with the county attorney’s choice not to pursue felony charges against Adams.
“The Minneapolis Police Department did its job. It identified and investigated a crime trend, identified, and arrested a suspect, and presented a case file to the Hennepin County Attorney Office for consideration of charges,” O’Hara said in a statement to media outlets. “This case impacted at least six different victims and totaled over $20,000 in damages. Any frustration related to the charging decision of the Hennepin County Attorney should be directed solely at her office. Our investigators are always frustrated when the cases they poured their hearts into are declined. In my experience, the victims in these cases often feel the same.”
Adams’ attorney and employer respond
Adams’ attorney, Robert Paule, released a statement to FOX 9 News on his behalf. “My client is very remorseful for his actions and is beginning the process of making sure the victims are made whole financially. We are grateful for the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office exercise of prosecutorial discretion, and apologize to the victims and law enforcement,” Paule said.
Adams’ employer also released a statement Tuesday morning, April 22. “We are reviewing the matter at this time. State employees are expected to follow our code of conduct and hold themselves to the highest ethical standards through their words and actions.”
Broader trend of Tesla vandalism
There have been several cases spotlighted across the country of people vandalizing Teslas in response to co-founder and CEO, Elon Musk, working for the Trump administration.
Minneapolis police say Adams caused $21,000 worth of damage to the Teslas, putting his crime past the threshold for felony charges in Minnesota.
