A Colorado police chief noted how “disappointed” he was in the criminal justice system that allowed Lucy Grace Nelson, formerly known as Justin Thomas Nelson, to be released from custody after being arrested on arson and vandalism charges at a Tesla dealership.
Nelson pleaded not guilty on Tuesday after being arrested in February for allegedly being involved in multiple incidents of vandalism and using an explosive device at a Tesla dealership in Loveland, Colorado.
Nelson was confronted by police at the dealership on Feb. 24, where evidence of gasoline, empty bottles, and other items were found in the transgender suspect’s car.
Police believe Nelson is linked to a series of vandalism incidents at the Tesla dealership, including throwing Molotov cocktails in the parking lot and spraying paint.
The 40-year-old suspect was arrested on charges of using an explosive device, felony criminal mischief, and attempting to commit a felony. Nelson’s bond was set at $100,000 cash surety, and the suspect was released the following day.
“I couldn’t be more disappointed with a criminal justice system that would release an individual on a PR bond who placed incendiary devices at a Loveland business,” Loveland Police Chief Tim Doran said in a statement about Nelson’s release.
“This decision is not just troubling for our community, but reflects a broader problem faced nationwide,” he added.
Nelson faces a federal charge of malicious destruction of property, filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado, which could result in a conviction of up to 20 years in prison.
A transgender has been arrested and is facing federal charges after terrorizing a Tesla Dealership in Colorado.
Transgender violence is an issue, and it needs to be addressed. pic.twitter.com/O7H5wfuIde
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) March 12, 2025
The Loveland Tesla dealership has been repeatedly targeted in incidents on Jan. 29, Feb. 2, Feb. 7, Feb. 24, and most recently, March 7. A police report noted that the most recent incident “does not appear to be connected to Nelson.”
After several incidents of vandalism at Tesla vehicles and dealerships nationwide, President Donald Trump condemned the attacks, stating the vandals were “harming a great American company.”
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“We already know who some of them are, and we are going to catch them,” Trump said on Tuesday, expressing interest in labeling the attacks as “domestic terrorism.”
Many of the attacks on Tesla cars and dealerships are allegedly in protest of Elon Musk‘s efforts to cut waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal government through pressure from the Department of Government Efficiency.