Chico police officers arrested a man who broke into a Tesla Service Center and hid inside a cardboard box. The incident occurred on Monday night at the facility on Huss Drive. The suspect faces first-degree burglary charges.
On Monday night, the Chico Police Department received an alert from the alarm and surveillance system at the Tesla Service Center located on Huss Drive in Chico, California. Officers responded promptly to the reported break-in and entered the building to search for the intruder.
Inside, they discovered the suspect, identified as Salazar Zapien, concealed within a large cardboard box. Zapien was quickly taken into custody without further incident. Authorities charged him with first-degree burglary, a serious offense involving unlawful entry with intent to commit theft or another felony.
The police have stated that this break-in is unrelated to a separate robbery at a nearby Motel 6. However, both incidents are currently under active investigation as officers work to uncover any additional details or connections that might emerge. No information has been released regarding what, if anything, was stolen from the Tesla facility or the suspect's motive.
This event highlights ongoing security concerns at commercial properties in the area, though specifics about the breach method remain undisclosed pending further inquiry.