A Tesla driver in Arizona became the victim of a violent road rage attack after a fellow motorist boxed her in and began physically assaulting her, according to reports.
The incident, which happened on Route 66 near Flagstaff, has raised concerns over increasing hostility toward Tesla owners, seemingly linked to political tensions surrounding Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s involvement in the current Trump administration.
The Victim Speaks Out
The victim, who has chosen to remain anonymous and goes by the name “Susan,” shared her terrifying experience with local news outlets.
“I didn’t buy my car for a political statement. I bought my car because it’s really fun to drive. My politics have nothing to do with that,” she said.
Susan recounted that she was being followed by another car while driving on Route 66. Video footage from her Tesla’s built-in cameras reportedly shows a green Chevrolet Cavalier swerving in front of her and intentionally boxing her in.
“I started to say, ‘You cut me off, what’s your problem,’ but I didn’t know how much he heard me,” she told KTVK.
Moments later, the driver exited his vehicle, approached her, and began punching her with a closed fist. In an act of self-defense, Susan said she bit the man’s hand, which forced him to pull back. The video reportedly shows the attacker shaking his hand in pain and retreating.
Another person, believed to be a passenger in the attacker’s car, is seen pulling him away before they fled the scene.
Police Identify and Charge Suspect
Local police later identified the attacker as Robert Artherton, 33, who has been reprimanded and is scheduled to appear in court on Monday. Officers responded to the scene at around 12:30 p.m., describing it as a “road rage incident that escalated into a violent encounter.“
Police confirmed that both vehicles — a Tesla and a Chevrolet Cavalier — were involved in a collision, according to a report by KSAZ-TV dated March 19.
Attacks on Tesla Drivers on the Rise
This incident is not isolated. Several reports in recent weeks suggest that Tesla drivers and dealerships are increasingly being targeted, possibly due to Elon Musk’s high-profile political involvement as a key advisor in President Trump’s White House.
In March, a Tesla dealership was vandalized with graffiti and hit by a Molotov cocktail, causing property damage estimated between $5,000 and $20,000, according to a criminal complaint. The accused in that case has pleaded not guilty.
Possible Jail Time for Vandalism Suspects
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi commented on the rise in targeted attacks against Tesla, saying:
“Those responsible for the vandalism could face up to 20 years in prison.”
Three individuals are currently facing federal charges in connection with the attack on the Tesla dealership.