A 26-year-old man from St. Petersburg, Florida, was arrested after failing to return a Tesla Cybertruck following a demo drive and causing about $20,000 in damage. Authorities recovered the vehicle from his residence two days later, documenting extensive interior and exterior harm. He faces charges of grand theft and criminal mischief.
On November 17, 2025, Richel J. Valdivia, 26, took a 2025 Tesla Cybertruck for a scheduled 30-minute demo drive from the Tesla dealership at 4601 34th Street North in St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, Florida. He provided his Florida driver's license and signed the required agreement before departing.
Valdivia did not return the vehicle as agreed, keeping it in his possession for approximately two days. On November 19, 2025, a Tesla assistant manager visited Valdivia's residence at 3224 35th Street North and recovered the Cybertruck. The manager reported significant damage to both the interior and exterior, including a missing Florida dealer tag.
Deputies from the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office documented specific issues: a smashed rearview camera, a missing GPS monitor, a detached driver's side sun visor, and front fender flares torn from both sides. Investigators noted small landscaping rocks and a pair of men's underwear inside each fender flare. Footage from the Cybertruck showed Valdivia striking the rearview camera multiple times with a yellow-handled hammer, shattering the glass. The estimated repair cost was about $20,000.
Forensic personnel processed the vehicle, taking photographs and collecting DNA samples, along with personal items found inside. Valdivia was arrested on November 26, 2025, and charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle and criminal mischief over $1,000. Bond was set at $5,000 for each charge, and he was released from jail.