A 40-year-old Palm Desert man suspected of stealing a Telsa electric vehicle charging unit was taken into custody Wednesday.
Seth Steven Lopez was arrested Wednesday near Bob Hope and Sunrise drives, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded to multiple businesses in Rancho Mirage and Palm Desert between Dec. 10 and Dec. 13 to reports of stolen Tesla electric vehicle charging units.
Sheriff’s officials said Lopez was identified as the suspect involved in the alleged thefts, although it was unclear what led investigators to him.
A search warrant was served at a residence in the 75000 block of Orange Blossom Lane in Palm Desert in relation to the theft investigation.
Lopez was booked into the John Benoit Detention Center on suspicion of multiple counts of grand and petty theft, sheriff’s officials said.
The sheriff’s office reminded business owners with electric vehicle charging stations to employ safety and theft deterrents such as surveillance cameras and adequate lighting, along with a protective enclosure with an alarm system installed by a qualified person.
Anyone with information regarding the theft or individuals who may have been victimized was urged to contact the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station at 760-836-1600.
