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How Tesla Helped Solve a Hate Crime

He picked the wrong tire to steal.

Last month, Dushko Valchev was arrested and charged with setting fire to Martin Luther King Jr. Community Presbyterian Church in Springfield, Massachusetts. 

Surveillance footage was used to link Vulchev to four fires at the church, which has a predominantly Black congregation. 

The final fire completely gutted the church. Officials found evidence on Vulchev’s personal devices showcasing his racist attitudes.

In addition to the fires, Vulchev also slashed and stole a number of car tires in the area – one of which belonged to a Tesla.

The vehicle’s security camera captured Vulchev committing the crime, and, along with other cameras in the area, placed him at the scene of all four fires.

Vulchev has been charged with four counts of damage to religious property — which the Justice Department characterizes as hate crimes.

He faces up to 30 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

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