Case Update: BPD arrests suspected Tesla vandal

April 18, 2025 

Case #: 2025-001844 

Thursday night, the Bradenton Police Department Crime Reduction Team apprehended the man suspected of vandalizing three Tesla vehicles at the Pinebrook Commons shopping plaza (4700 block of Cortez Rd W., Bradenton).  

Jeffrey Jones, 48, was arrested on three counts of felony criminal mischief. He is in custody at the Manatee County Jail and has a bond set at $150,000.

BPD responded to Pinebrook Commons around 8:15 p.m. on March 11 and met with three Tesla owners, who reported their cars had been "keyed." Two of the Tesla drivers were parked next to one another near a restaurant, while the third driver was parked on the west side of the parking lot. According to the owners' accounts, detectives concluded that the damage to their cars, estimated at over $11,000, likely occurred between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.  

Security camera video recorded a black Chevy Trax with a sticker on the rear window circling the parking lot around 7 p.m. The Trax paused for several seconds as it passed the Teslas parked near the restaurant. The driver then parked on the west side of the plaza, near the third Tesla, walked toward the restaurant, and returned to his vehicle minutes later.

During the investigation, detectives determined that Jones owns a black Trax with a sticker on its rear window. His description also matched the image of the suspect captured by one of the damaged Teslas. Jones was arrested at his home on Thursday night but chose not to speak to the detectives.

If you have information about this case, contact Detective Mulligan at william.mulligan@bradentonpd.com or 941-932-9313. Submit anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers at manateecrimestoppers.com. 

Jeffrey Jones