A Florida woman faces serious criminal charges after being caught vandalizing a Tesla with…chewing gum. The incident, captured by the vehicle’s advanced security system, has sparked debate about growing political divisions and the strange new battlefield of luxury car vandalism. Do these people not realize Teslas are always filming their surroundings?
At a glance:
- Yamaris Marrero, 45, faces a third-degree felony for applying gum to a Tesla’s door handle
- The incident caused over $2,600 in damages and rendered the door handle inoperable
- The victim believes the vandalism was politically motivated due to Tesla’s connection to Elon Musk
- The car’s built-in cameras captured the entire incident at Aventura Mall
- Marrero is being held on a $2,500 bond after admitting to the crime
Tesla’s Cameras Catch Liberal Vandal in the Act
A 45-year-old Hallandale Beach resident named Yamaris Marrero has been charged with a felony after targeting a Tesla owner at the Aventura Mall in Florida. Security footage from the vehicle’s built-in cameras captured Marrero applying what police described as a “large wad” of bubble gum to the car’s door handle mechanism, causing extensive damage.
What is wrong with people?
And it wasn’t minor damage, either. The vandalism rendered the Tesla’s door handle completely inoperable and resulted in repair costs estimated at $2,623.66. Additional footage showed Marrero spitting on the vehicle before fleeing the scene in a white Honda Pilot, demonstrating clear intent to damage the property.
🚨FLORIDA WOMAN CHARGED WITH FELONY FOR TESLA VANDALISM
45-year-old Yamaris Marrero was arrested in Miami-Dade after sticking chewing gum on a Tesla’s door handle, causing $2,623.66 in damage, police said.
A mall security guard spotted her near the food court, and she later… https://t.co/m3grsMVO23 pic.twitter.com/Ct6H0vaMse
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) March 29, 2025
Political Motives Behind Anti-Tesla Attacks
The Tesla owner believes the attack was politically motivated due to the company’s connection to Elon Musk, who has become increasingly vocal in supporting conservative values and former President Donald Trump. “Unfortunately, [there’s] a divide in our country where certain views that are not accepted by a subset,” the owner told local media.
And it’s a fair guess.
Initial police reports suggested the crime was committed “with prejudice,” leading to a hate crime enhancement that would have made it a second-degree felony. However, a judge later downgraded the charge to a third-degree felony during Marrero’s bond hearing.
NEW: Florida woman caught and charged with a felony after vandalizing a Tesla in Miami-Dade county last week.
I still haven't seen one attractive Tesla vandal.
According to authorities, 45-year-old Yamaris Marrero caused $2,623.66 of damage to the car when she decided to put a… pic.twitter.com/wJjsV9uaIg
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) March 29, 2025
Swift Justice for Tesla Vandal
Mall security played a crucial role in apprehending Marrero, spotting her in the food court after reviewing the Tesla’s camera footage. Police quickly responded and took Marrero into custody, where she reportedly admitted to the crime, though specific details of her confession were redacted from public documents.
Marrero is currently being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on a $2,500 bond as the investigation continues. This case highlights the effectiveness of Tesla’s security features, which have repeatedly helped identify vandals and protect owners from politically motivated attacks.
