LINCOLN — Officers from the Lincoln Police Department arrested a Pawtucket man Wednesday after he allegedly keyed a Tesla in a parking lot on Smithfield Avenue.
Benjamin Scheff, 29, was charged with vandalism under R.I. Gen. Laws 11-44-1 following the incident that occurred around 6 p.m. on April 2.
Police responded to a report of vandalism and met with the victim, who told officers his Tesla had been keyed while he was inside a business.
The victim reported that when he exited the store, he observed Scheff standing near the rear passenger side of his vehicle before walking away quickly.
Upon inspecting his vehicle, the victim discovered a fresh scratch above the rear passenger tire area.
The victim confronted Scheff while simultaneously contacting the Lincoln Police Department.
Surveillance footage from the victim’s Tesla showed Scheff walking past the vehicle, then turning around and approaching the passenger side.
The video captured Scheff making a swiping motion with his hand, making contact with the vehicle in the area where the scratch was located, before walking away.
Scheff was taken into custody following the victim’s statement and review of the surveillance footage.
