Tesla arson suspect released after lawyer argues detention would disrupt sex-change treatments
Share and Follow

A college springbreaker accused of torching two Tesla Cybertrucks in Missouri has been released from federal custody after his lawyer argued that remaining in jail would disrupt ongoing sex-change treatment. 

Owen McIntire, 19, was released and ordered into home detention at his parents’ Missouri home by a federal court in Massachusetts this week and ordered by a judge to answer to the charges against him on Thursday.

McIntire was arrested in Massachusetts last month and faces federal charges in Missouri for allegedly using a homemade incendiary device to ignite the two electric vehicles on March 17. He faces charges of unlawful possession of an unregistered destructive device and malicious damage to property by fire.

The attorney said the Justice Department suggested the alleged attack had “political overtones” but was speculative. 

McIntire trained in ballet from ages 8 to 15 but quit during a “difficult period” after being diagnosed with depression, which he manages with medication and therapy, the filing states. Fox News Digital has reached out to McIntire’s attorney. 

Agents and forensic experts from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) recovered and analyzed key evidence from the Tesla attack, including Molotov cocktails allegedly used in the arson. 

Authorities later found video footage of a person who they believe to be McIntire wearing a large hat, lighting the devices and throwing them at the Cybertrucks before walking away.

Owen McIntire pictured at an airport

Owen McIntire, 19, was granted release into the custody of his parents on April 24. (Justice Department)

Two Tesla charging stations were also damaged by the fire, each with an approximate value of $550.

Fox News Digital’s Alexandra Koch contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
DOJ, FBI sitting on 'treasure trove' of Epstein information: Attorney

Attorney says DOJ and FBI have a wealth of information on Epstein

() Sigrid McCawley, an attorney representing people suing Jeffrey Epstein’s former accountant…
Kris Jenner and new pal Oprah vacation after bonding at Bezos wedding

Kris Jenner and Oprah Enjoy Vacation After Bonding at Bezos’s Wedding

Kris Jenner and her new pal Oprah Winfrey cemented their friendship on…
Allowed inside, lawmakers split on conditions for detainees in ‘Alligator Alcatraz’

Lawmakers Divided Over Detainee Conditions at ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Facility

OCHOPEE, Fla. — Democratic lawmakers condemned Florida’s new Everglades immigration detention center…
Ndamukong Suh announces NFL retirement following 13-year career

Ndamukong Suh retires from NFL after 13 years

Ndamukong Suh is calling it quits after thirteen years in the NFL.…
Why Yankees' Max Fried pulled out of All-Star Game

Reasons for Yankees’ Max Fried Withdrawal from All-Star Game

Max Fried may have a homecoming start in Atlanta next week, but…
Trump posts support for embattled Attorney General Pam Bondi

Trump Voices Support for Under-Fire Attorney General Pam Bondi

President Donald Trump has come out in support of embattled Attorney General…
Aurora, Colorado dentist James Craig accused of poisoning wife Angela Craig's protein shakes going on trial for murder

Dentist James Craig from Aurora, Colorado to stand trial for murder, accused of poisoning wife Angela Craig’s protein drinks.

DENVER — Just days before she died after suffering symptoms that mystified…
Oregon mom, kids held for days after being detained at Canadian border

Oregon Mother and Children Detained for Several Days at Canadian Border

An Oregon mother and her four children, who are US citizens, have…