My Tesla Cybertruck Was Vandalized While I Was Shopping, But Thankfully Sentry Mode Got It All on Footage

We don’t usually think much about where we park our cars. For most people, it’s as simple as pulling into a space, locking the doors, and getting on with our business. But for some Tesla owners, especially those driving models that naturally attract attention like the Cybertruck, that decision can come with hesitation, calculation, and even fear.

It reminded me of stories I’ve seen before from Tesla owners who go to great lengths to avoid situations just like this when I came across a Facebook post this afternoon from someone who had been playing it safe for months, until the one time they didn’t. The post was from Heath Hathaway, whose Tesla Cybertruck was vandalized in what he describes as a hate crime while it was parked outside a store in Raymond, New Hampshire. Despite being cautious for nearly 100 days about where to take the truck, this one quick stop ended in a police report. Now he’s relying on security footage to find out who did it.

Here’s what Heath wrote in his post: “This Tesla hate crime happened on Friday, May 2nd at 12:45 p.m. at the Hannafords in Raymond, NH. Despite nearly 100 days of calculating the risk of where I can go, and where I should park… it finally happened. The one time I thought I could run into Hannafords to grab Pedialyte, some Zicam, and be right back out… Thankfully nobody was hurt… who knows though, if I had let the 17-year-old drive me to the shop to grab my Ford?! Police report was filed on May 2nd with Raymond PD. Still waiting for answers. Let’s see who this is!”

A Pattern Many Tesla Owners Recognize

It’s hard not to feel the weight of that story. Heath didn’t just walk out to damaged tires, he walked into a moment that confirmed the fears he had been trying to sidestep for months. Like many Tesla owners who feel that their vehicles draw a certain kind of attention, good and bad, Heath had been calculating risk with every parking decision. For the most part, those calculations worked until they didn’t.

Heath’s post touches on something that many Tesla owners know all too well: the reality that vandalism doesn’t always come down to chance as it can feel deliberate. In fact, this isn’t the first time a Tesla has been the target of an apparent hate crime or act of vandalism. We’ve seen similar cases before, like this story of a Tesla Model 3 owner who returned to find their car keyed while parked at a shopping center. And while Tesla’s Sentry Mode is one of the brand’s most useful tools in holding vandals accountable, not every owner has been able to document what happened or find out who was responsible. Another Tesla owner shared how Sentry Mode missed everything when their car was damaged less than a week after they brought it home.

The Power of Footage and Community Support

In Heath’s case, it helps that video footage exists. The license plate appears visible while the person is clearly visible too, and commenters quickly chimed in with both support and practical insight. As Justin Hatch noted, “Plate is pretty easy to make out. Hopefully that helps get you a quick resolution. The absurdity of people’s behavior is mind boggling.”

That absurdity is something Tesla owners are increasingly vocal about. It’s not just about a scratch on the paint or a flat tire, it’s the symbolism. Kenny G added, “With having a plate and the picture/video, that makes it very easy to identify and conduct an interview. From there an arrest warrant will be easy.”

Some comments, like that from Terri Davis Dancause, touched on the larger frustration shared by many EV drivers: “Ridiculous… You shouldn’t have to be careful where you drive your own car.” And that’s where the deeper issue emerges: why do some people feel compelled to act out against a vehicle based on what it represents? Whether it’s the tense political climate we’re in, or the strong opinions people hold about Elon Musk and what Tesla represents—from technology disruption to wealth, power, or even environmentalism—some individuals may take out their frustrations not with words, but through damaging acts against the cars themselves. 

Jennifer Ober, another commenter, brought up a crucial point: “Thank God for Sentry Mode!! Sorry this happened to you!” She’s not wrong. Many Tesla drivers have relied on Sentry Mode to capture moments that might otherwise go unanswered. Without it, there’s little proof, and even less hope for justice.

This incident, sadly, fits into a growing number of cases where Tesla vehicles have been targeted for no other reason than being Teslas. Whether it’s keying, kicking, or side-swiping, owners are becoming increasingly cautious and increasingly frustrated. Another one of my articles even highlights how a Tesla Model 3 was vandalized on day three of ownership, leaving the owner wondering if it was targeted hate.

What stands out most about Heath’s story is the human side of it. This wasn’t a street corner late at night or an abandoned lot as this was broad daylight, during a short errand, with family health in mind. His words carry the quiet stress that comes from living cautiously and the disbelief when that fails.

The Growing Pressure Tesla Owners Carry

I think this story stands out in a different way because it reflects the constant, quiet pressure that so many Tesla and EV owners silently manage each time they leave their vehicles parked in public. When I talk to owners or scroll through EV groups, I see it constantly: Where should I park? Is it safe to leave my car here? Should I turn Sentry Mode on even for 5 minutes? That mental checklist is exhausting. And it’s not something we see talked about in dealership brochures or marketing campaigns obviously.

This isn’t a brand problem as it’s a social one. I’m struck by how much emotion is tied to modern vehicles. These aren’t just machines anymore as they’re more like statements even if people don't want them to be. Whether you love or hate EVs, that shouldn’t give anyone the right to damage someone else’s property. What Heath is dealing with shouldn’t be the new normal, but if we don’t talk about it, it just might become that.

Key Takeaways

• Tesla’s Sentry Mode continues to prove its value in real-world scenarios, but it’s only as effective as the visibility and clarity of the footage it captures.
• Vandalism isn't always random: Sometimes it’s motivated by perceptions, biases, or simple ignorance. That makes it more than a property crime as it’s personal.
• Community support matters: The speed at which commenters offered guidance and encouragement shows that EV drivers aren’t alone.
• Owners shouldn’t have to feel unsafe or strategic about where they park their vehicles. This speaks to a bigger issue around public perception of EVs and Tesla vehicles in particular.
• Stories like this aren’t isolated: They’re becoming more common, and they deserve to be part of the broader conversation about what it means to own an EV in 2025.

What Do You Think?

Have you ever had your vehicle targeted or vandalized just because of the brand or model? And do you think public attitudes toward Tesla is getting more polarized as time goes on?

Share your thoughts below and join the conversation. I'd love to hear what you have to say.

Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.

Image Sources: Heath Hathaway's public Facebook post.