Yamaris Marrero, a 45-year-old Cuban citizen residing in Hallandale Beach, was arrested in Miami after being accused of causing damage to a Tesla vehicle by sticking chewing gum in the door handle mechanism.
The incident occurred on Saturday, March 22 around 12:45 PM at the JCPenney parking lot in Aventura Mall and was captured by the vehicle's integrated cameras, according to a report by Local 10.
According to the police report, the damage to the Tesla amounts to $2,623.66, due to the impact on the door handle's electric mechanism.
The vehicle owner stated to Local 10 that he believes he was the target of a deliberate attack due to the political polarization in the United States, where some opinions evoke strong disapproval among certain groups, referencing the controversy surrounding Tesla founder Elon Musk and his association with President Donald Trump.
Marrero, who according to her Facebook profile is from Sagua la Grande, Villa Clara, was identified and arrested on Thursday, March 27 in the afternoon after a security guard spotted her in the food court of the shopping center.
Initially, he faced a felony charge for criminal damage with a hate crime enhancement; however, during the bail hearing on Friday, this enhancement was removed, reducing the charge from second to third degree.
Currently, she is being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center with a bail set at $2,500 dollars.
Sectors that disapprove of the far-right policies associated with Musk and his collaboration with the Trump administration have sparked criticism and calls for a boycott of Tesla.
Trump has publicly defended the director of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an entity aimed at implementing structural reforms and reducing bureaucracy in the federal government, criticizing the boycotts against it and highlighting its contribution to the American automotive industry.
In a show of support, Trump showcased Tesla vehicles at the White House and urged citizens to purchase them.
These tensions have led to vandalic acts against Tesla properties, including the use of molotov cocktails to set fire to vehicles and charging stations in various cities across the United States.
Political controversies have had a negative impact on Tesla. The company experienced a drastic 42.6% drop in its sales within the European Union during the first months of 2025.
Frequently asked questions about the vandalism incident involving a Tesla in Miami
Who is Yamaris Marrero and why was she arrested?
Yamaris Marrero is a 45-year-old Cuban citizen residing in Hallandale Beach, arrested in Miami for damaging a Tesla vehicle by sticking gum in the door handle mechanism. The incident was caught on the vehicle's cameras, and the damage was assessed at $2,623.66.
What was the reason for the attack on the Tesla according to the owner?
The owner of the Tesla believed that the attack was a deliberate act due to the political division in the country, mentioning the controversy surrounding Elon Musk and his association with President Donald Trump. These tensions have led to acts of vandalism against Tesla properties.
What is the legal situation of Yamaris Marrero after her arrest?
Initially, Marrero faced a serious charge for criminal damage with a hate crime enhancement. However, this enhancement was removed, reducing the offense from second to third degree. She is currently held in detention with a bail set at $2,500.
How has the controversy surrounding Tesla and its founder Elon Musk impacted politics?
Elon Musk's association with far-right policies and his involvement in the Trump administration has impacted the perception of Tesla, resulting in a drastic 42.6% drop in its sales within the European Union during the first months of 2025. Additionally, there have been boycotts and acts of vandalism against the company.
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