PINELLAS COUNTY, FL – A St. Petersburg man was arrested after deputies say he failed to return a Tesla Cybertruck taken out for a scheduled demo drive and later caused significant damage to the vehicle.
According to arrest affidavits from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, 26-year-old Richel J. Valdivia took a 2025 Tesla Cybertruck for a 30-minute demo drive on November 17, 2025, from the Tesla location at 4601 34th Street North. Valdivia provided his Florida driver’s license and signed the required demo drive agreement before leaving.
Deputies state Valdivia did not return the vehicle as agreed. The Cybertruck remained in his possession for about two days. On November 19, an assistant manager from Tesla went to Valdivia’s residence at 3224 35th Street North and recovered the vehicle.
The assistant manager reported extensive damage to both the interior and exterior. The Florida dealer tag was missing. Deputies documented a smashed rearview camera, a missing GPS monitor, a detached driver’s side sun visor, and front fender flares torn from both sides. Investigators also noted small landscaping rocks and a pair of men’s underwear inside each fender flare.
Footage retrieved from the Cybertruck reportedly shows Valdivia striking the rearview camera multiple times with a hammer with a yellow handle, shattering the glass. The estimated cost of the damage was listed at about $20,000.
Forensic personnel processed the Cybertruck for photographs and DNA. Personal items found in the vehicle were collected.
Valdivia was arrested on November 26, 2025, and charged with Grand Theft Motor Vehicle and Criminal Mischief over $1,000. Bond was set at $5,000 for each charge and was released from jail.