A routine investigation into a suspicious vehicle in Lone Tree, Colorado, led officers to locate and identify a Tesla that had been reported stolen and arrest three individuals facing a range of felony and misdemeanor charges.
The investigation began on July 29 after officers responded to a suspicious vehicle parked in the 8400 block of Park Meadows Drive. As officers examined the vehicle, they determined it had been reported stolen and continued to investigate the circumstances surrounding it.
After confirming that the Tesla had been reported stolen, officers continued to investigate the circumstances surrounding the vehicle.
Investigation Reveals Alleged Fraud Involving Tesla Demo Program
Police said the Tesla displayed a “Tesla Overnight Demo Drive Customer” sign in its windshield, prompting investigators to contact Tesla for additional information. According to authorities, the company confirmed the vehicle had been obtained through its overnight demo program using fraudulent identification.
Officers continued monitoring the situation, and later that day, three individuals returned the Tesla to the same parking lot. Officers immediately contacted the three individuals as part of the ongoing investigation.
Search Uncovers Additional Evidence
During the investigation, officers determined all three individuals had outstanding arrest warrants. Police also recovered multiple financial devices that allegedly belonged to other people.
Investigators requested assistance from the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, whose K9 conducted an open-air sniff of the vehicle. Police said the alert led officers to controlled substances and drug paraphernalia, resulting in additional charges against the suspects.
Authorities did not immediately release further information about the financial devices or the specific controlled substances allegedly recovered.
Three Suspects Face Multiple Criminal Charges
Lone Tree police reported the three suspects now face numerous charges, including felony motor vehicle theft, criminal impersonation, felony possession of financial devices, possession of controlled substances, obstructing government operations, obstructing a peace officer, possession of drug paraphernalia, false report of identity to police, and violation of a protection order.
The charges vary by suspect based on each individual’s alleged involvement in the investigation. Police said the case demonstrates the importance of proactive policing and partnerships with businesses and neighboring law enforcement agencies.
Authorities also thanked Tesla and the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office for assisting with the investigation.
All suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.