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SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) – A Tesla driver who randomly threatened a man with a knife, pepper sprayed him and destroyed his car was arrested Sunday morning, according to San Mateo police.
The San Mateo Police Department said they received a report of a knife brandishing incident involving pepper spray on Thursday, January 2 at 3:56 p.m.
Police said they were dispatched to the 100 block of S. Ellsworth Avenue and encountered a victim who showed “obvious signs of being pepper sprayed.” After the effects of the chemical subsided, the victim told police he was sitting in his Tesla when a Tesla pulled up next to him.
Police said the Tesla driver made a “shoot” gesture toward the victim. He then parked in front of the victim’s car, got out of the car, walked towards the victim, brandished a folding knife and threatened to stab the victim.
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Police said the suspect approached the passenger side of the victim’s car and kicked the rear panel, causing approximately $2,000 in damage. Police then sprayed pepper spray at the victim through the open windshield as the victim tried to drive away while calling the police.
The victim filmed part of the attack on his cell phone, and a witness provided photos and license plate numbers of the suspect and suspect vehicle. Police were able to identify the Tesla as a rental car and the driver as Alexander Williams.
Police decided to detain Williams when he returned his rental car, which was scheduled to be returned on Friday. But after several hours of monitoring the rental car business, Mr. Williams did not show up.
The San Mateo Police Department received information shortly after midnight on Sunday, January 5th, that the Tesla was located in San Mateo via an automatic license plate reader. A San Mateo Police Sergeant spotted the vehicle heading north on Highway 101.
Police conducted a Tesla traffic stop in the area of San Bruno Avenue in San Bruno. Police said the driver was identified as Williams and was arrested. A search revealed two pepper sprays and a folding knife on his person.
Williams, 34, of San Jose, was booked into the San Mateo County Jail on the following charges:
Criminal threats Vandalism Brandishing a battery
Police said the motive for the attack is unknown because the suspect and victim did not know each other.
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