Loveland Tesla dealership hit by attempted arson for fifth time
Peter Cziborra
A Tesla dealership in Loveland has become the target of a fifth attempted arson, Loveland police said.
The dealership, at 1606 N. Lincoln Ave., became the target of rocks and an “incendiary device” early Friday morning, according to Loveland police.
The incendiary device sparked a fire between two vehicles and endangered people working in the dealership’s building. The fire was quickly put out and responding officers noted a strong smell of gasoline, according to a news release.
One suspect from previous incidents, 40-year-old Lucy Grace Nelson, was arrested on Feb. 24, the same day as the fourth incident. However, Loveland police say she was released on a personal recognizance bond, frustrating Police Chief Tim Doran.
“I couldn’t be more disappointed with a criminal justice system that would release an individual on a PR bond from federal charges,” Doran said in a news release. “It’s incredibly challenging to keep our citizens safe from copycat behavior when there are no repercussions to lawlessness.”
A PR bond is a signature bond that requires no money or property, provided the person signing the bond shows up in court.
The incident Friday does not appear to be related to previous arson attempts at the dealership, police said.
Tesla has received flak in recent months due to various actions by CEO Elon Musk. Vehicles nationwide have been vandalized and in Germany, Tesla sales have plummeted by 76%. Other car makers, like Swedish luxury brand Polestar — an offshoot of Volvo — are offering up to $20,000 in trade-in value for Tesla vehicles.
Police are continuing their investigation into the previous incidents and are continuing to collaborate with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
Loveland police ask anyone who may have witnessed the vandalism to call the department’s tip line at (970) 962-2032 or Larimer County Crime Stoppers at (970) 221-6868.




