On Thursday, November 13, 2025, a victim was driving in the area of 1st Street and Broadway when he observed a newer-model Tesla sedan driving erratically and swerving between lanes.
While stopped at a red light, the Tesla driver exited his vehicle, approached the victim’s driver-side window, became verbally aggressive, and attempted to grab the victim’s windshield wiper.
When the victim moved his vehicle forward to create distance, the suspect kicked the driver-side door multiple times before running back to his Tesla and fleeing the area.
The suspect is described as a male, Black, approximately 5’9” tall, last seen wearing a gray “Philadelphia Eagles” sweater with green lettering and a football helmet logo, and gray sweatpants.
If you have any information that could help identify the suspect, please contact Police Investigative Specialist V. Hernandez at (714) 245-8651 or VHernandez@santa-ana.org.
The suspect could face several criminal charges under California law for his actions on November 13, 2025.
- Vandalism (Penal Code 594): By kicking the driver-side door multiple times, the suspect caused property damage. If the repair cost is under $400, it is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000. If the damage exceeds $400, it can be charged as a felony, which carries a potential sentence of up to three years in state prison and fines up to $10,000.
- Simple Assault (Penal Code 240): The suspect’s aggressive approach and attempt to grab the victim’s windshield wiper may constitute an “unlawful attempt, coupled with a present ability, to commit a violent injury”. This is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
- Reckless Driving (Vehicle Code 23103): Observing the vehicle driving erratically and swerving between lanes constitutes driving with “willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property”. This misdemeanor carries penalties of up to 90 days in jail and fines between $145 and $1,000.
- Disturbing the Peace (Penal Code 415): The suspect’s verbally aggressive behavior and public confrontation could result in this charge, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $400 fine.
- Driver’s License Sanctions: Under California law, road rage incidents can lead to the DMV suspending the offender’s driver’s license for six months for a first offense or one year for subsequent offenses. Convictions for vandalism can also result in a license suspension of up to two years.