GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Zahara Ashye Shekarri, 18, was arrested early this morning after police said she took a party host’s phone, used it to access his Tesla, drove off in the vehicle, and later crashed it into another car.
According to a Gainesville Police Department officer, the incident began around 6:48 p.m. on September 7 at a social gathering. The host reportedly handed Shekarri his phone so she could play music through a Bluetooth speaker, but police said she left the residence with the phone and used it to unlock the host’s Tesla parked outside.
Investigators said Shekarri drove the Tesla for roughly 20 minutes and sideswiped a blue Dodge Charger during that time. She allegedly failed to stop after the collision and eventually returned the Tesla to the host’s residence.
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The officer reported severe paint damage along the full length of the Tesla’s passenger side. Footage from the vehicle’s cameras reportedly showed Shekarri striking the blue Charger, then parking the Tesla and getting out while holding an alcoholic beverage. Police said she returned the phone to the host and left the area; the host contacted law enforcement after noticing the damage to the Tesla.
After being advised of her Miranda rights, Shekarri reportedly confirmed that the host had given her the phone to play music, but said she instead used it to take the Tesla to her residence. She also reportedly admitted that she collided with another vehicle before bringing the Tesla back.
Shekarri, who told Court Services she is a UF student, has been charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle and leaving the scene of a crash with property damage. She has no criminal history, and Judge Susan Miller-Jones set bail at $20,000 but ordered that she could be released on her own recognizance after being screened for day reporting. Judge Miller-Jones also ordered a curfew between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.