Man tracks stolen Tesla to home
By Tyson Palodichuk
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ROSEBURG, Oregon (KEZI) — A Roseburg man was working about an hour and a half away from his Tesla when he got an alert that the car’s alarm had gone off.
Matthew Keller checked the Tesla’s cameras and saw someone moving around inside. He then drove until he could get cell service, called police and used the Tesla app to track the vehicle.
Eugene police were called around 12:15 p.m. Sept. 12 for a report of a stolen vehicle. Keller was able to give officers the Tesla’s location, which led them to a home on Waite Street in Eugene.
Officers found the Tesla with its back window smashed and 48-year-old Kip Allen Carr standing a few feet away. Police said various belongings were scattered around the vehicle, and Carr was wearing a jacket belonging to Keller.
Keller said a spare key card he had left inside the Tesla appears to have been used to operate the vehicle.
When he recovered the car, Keller said he noticed Carr had changed some of the Tesla’s screen settings. A pair of Keller’s prescription sunglasses was also missing.
Police said Carr admitted to stealing the Tesla and trying to open the front door of the Waite Street home. The door was locked, and the homeowner was not inside when Carr attempted to enter. Police said Carr planned to drink a beer and take a shower at the home.
The vehicle’s owner was able to recover it, and police said the home was never entered. No injuries were reported.
Carr was arrested and booked into the Lane County Jail on charges of first-degree burglary of a residence, third-degree theft from a vehicle, unauthorized use of a vehicle and first-degree criminal mischief.
Keller said the Tesla has scratches and a broken window, and he is working with his insurance company and a repair shop to have the damage fixed.
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