Man Arrested for Driving Into Protesters at Florida Tesla Dealership

A Florida man drove his car onto a sidewalk crowded with protesters outside a Tesla dealership in West Palm Beach, forcing them to scramble for safety, authorities said. No injuries were reported.

The incident occurred Saturday at the dealership on Okeechobee Boulevard. According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, 44-year-old Andrew Dutil slowly drove his black Nissan onto the curb where demonstrators were protesting against Tesla CEO Elon Musk and former President Donald Trump. Witnesses said Dutil had previously driven by, shouting at the protesters.

An arrest affidavit states that two women feared for their lives as the car approached. Video footage also allegedly shows Dutil driving onto the curb, nearly hitting several people before stopping and walking into the dealership.

A Tesla employee told deputies that Dutil entered the store, declared his support for Tesla, and then left.

When officers arrived, Dutil was still parked outside, surrounded by protesters. He was arrested without incident and now faces an assault charge.

This protest was one of many nationwide demonstrations against Tesla-related businesses, sparked by Musk’s involvement with the Trump administration in cutting federal funding and government jobs. Recent vandalism against Tesla properties includes Cybertrucks being set on fire in Seattle and gunfire at a dealership in Oregon.

Authorities continue to investigate the incident.