Suspect arrested in ‘targeted attack’ at Las Vegas Tesla collision center
Paul Hyon Kim, 36, allegedly connected to communism and Palestine support groups on social media.
LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) - A suspect is in custody more than a week after vehicles were set on fire at a Tesla collision center.
Paul Kim, 36, was arrested Wednesday on multiple charges, police records showed.
Kim is accused of an early morning targeted attack that happened at a Tesla collision shop back on March 18.
He is expected to be in court Thursday afternoon.
LVMPD’s Dori Koren said hundreds of personnel were involved in his arrest.
“We have a more comprehensive understanding of what happened,” he said.
Police say Kim arrived east of the location in a black Hyundai Elantra. He proceeded on foot and approached the Tesla building.
Police said he concealed his face, wore gloves and black clothing. He damaged surveillance cameras with a rifle.
Cameras inside the building show Kim allegedly writing “RESIST” on the front of the building.
Kim is accused of using Molotov cocktails to light Tesla vehicles on fire. The suspect would flee in his vehicle east.
Koren said FBI Las Vegas Special Agent in Charge Spencer Evans and Sheriff Kevin McMahill provided support to canvass over 700 locations to identify the suspect.
Police say Kim’s social media shows presence in groups for Palestine and communism. Koren says they will continue to investigate his platforms.
“The seamless collaboration to keep Southern Nevada safe is unparalleled,” Evans said.
He says Kim will also face federal charges.
“There’s nothing courageous about firebombing and terrorizing your local community,” he said. “At the end of the day, you and you alone, will face the prison sentence.”
McMahill provided final comments in the briefing. He said there is no threat to the community. Police are working to identify if this attack is linked to other attacks toward Tesla internationally.
Kim faces the following charges:
- 3 Counts of Arson 3rd Degree
- 3 Counts of Unlawful Possession of Explosive or Incendiary Device
- 4 Counts of Destroy/Injure Real/Personal Property of Another $5000+
- 5 Counts of Discharge Firearm at or into a Vehicle or Structure
This is a developing story.
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