Surveillance footage from Tesla vehicle reportedly catches vandal in the act

A local man has been charged after a vehicle was reportedly vandalized earlier this week.

According to police, on Wednesday, at approximately 6:00 p.m., Officers from the Lincoln Police Department responded to a report of vandalism to a Tesla parked in a lot on Smithfield Avenue in Lincoln. 

Upon arrival, the officers met with the victim, who reported that his Tesla had been keyed while he was inside the business. The victim stated that when he exited the store, he observed a male, later identified as 29-year-old Benjamin Scheff of Pawtucket, standing near the rear passenger side of his vehicle before walking away quickly. Upon inspecting his vehicle, the victim discovered a new scratch above the rear passenger tire area. 

The victim walked after Scheff and confronted him while simultaneously contacting the Lincoln Police Department. Surveillance footage from the victim’s Tesla was provided, showing Scheff walking past the vehicle, then turning around and approaching the passenger side. The footage shows Scheff making a swiping motion with his hand, making contact with the vehicle in the area where the scratch was located. Scheff then walks away. 

Following the victim’s statement and the surveillance footage, Scheff was taken into custody. He was charged with Vandalism.