Female Tesla driver outraged by how cops treated sloppy man filmed attacking her over her car
A female Tesla driver who was attacked by a man is outraged that authorities seemingly gave him a slap on the wrist after allegedly assaulting her.
Robert Artherton, 33, allegedly cut off the unidentified Tesla driver, 61, on March 19 on East Route 66 and boxed her in, before he got out of the car and began to hit her, according to AZ Family.
He can be seen on the Tesla's security footage, which was obtained by the outlet, allegedly throwing multiple punches at the woman, who said she had to bite Artherton's hand to defend herself.
Eventually, the passenger in Artherton's car got out and dragged the man back to the car, where they drove off.
Artherton was only charged with a citation for disorderly conduct, assault and aggressive driving for the alleged attack, as police cited both drivers for driving erratically.
However, the anonymous female Tesla driver believes he should have been charged with aggravated assault and arrested on the spot.
She said the only reason he received a citation instead of being arrested was the fact that he had injuries from where she bit him and he'd need to be taken to the hospital, she told AZ Family.
'I think he needs to get some good jail time because he’s a repeat offender,' she told the outlet. 'I hope the judge or the police officer’s wives aren’t in my situation or maybe if they were then something would happen.'
Robert Artherton, 33, cut off the unidentified Tesla driver, 61, on March 19 on East Route 66 and boxed her in, before he got out of the car and allegedly began to hit her
He can be seen on the Tesla's security footage allegedly throwing multiple fists at the woman, who said she had to bite Artherton's hand to help defend herself. Eventually, the passenger in Artherton's car got out and dragged the man back to the car, where they drove off
Artherton was only hit with a citation for the attack, as police cited both drivers for driving erratically. However, the Tesla driver believes he should have been hit with assault charges
She has begun carrying mace and taking firearm classes to 'protect myself in a physical assault again.'
She was hoping to start the arraignment process on Monday, but she was unable to as Artherton did not show up to court, according to AZ Family.
'My attorney told me it was likely he would not show up. This is a repeat offense,' she told the outlet, noting his previous failures to appear in court among a lengthy rap sheet. 'I’m frustrated but not surprised.'
The driver also doesn't believe the attack was political but simply a bout of road rage.
The female driver said she didn't buy her car for a 'political statement' but rather because it was 'fun to drive.'
She is the latest victim in a string of Tesla attacks that are happening in the country as Americans protest Elon Musk's involvement in the US government.
Chadd Ritenbaugh, 55, was charged with criminal mischief and harassment as well as disorderly conduct after he was identified as the suspect who scratched an apparent swastika into a Tesla SUV parked at a Planet Fitness gym in Pennsylvania.
The alleged incident was caught on the Tesla's camera system. The gym's surveillance cameras then captured a man entering the building moments later wearing the same clothes.
Ritenbaugh's membership card was used to access the facilities.
The 55-year-old business owner was confronted about the incident, during which he initially denied leaving any damage.
'Listen, I can wipe it off with a towel,' Ritenbaugh tells the furious owner. 'It's not a key, it was a crayon.'
The man filming the confrontation repeatedly tells Ritenbaugh there is damage, describing his actions as 'a hate crime' and ordering he 'write a check [to] pay for the damage.'
'I'm sorry you're upset,' Ritenbaugh said.
Attorney General Pam Bondi is warning those thinking of destroying Tesla dealerships and properties that they will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
In a less than one-minute video posted to X on Monday, Bondi doubled-down that any vandals and attackers who target Teslas and their dealerships will be treated as 'domestic terrorists.'
'I've made it clear – if you take part in the wave of domestic terrorism against Tesla properties, we will find you, arrest you, and put you behind bars,' Bondi said.
She warned: 'Justice is coming.'
