On social media, many viewers stunne after a viral video showing Tesla owner confronts man allegedly caught scrawling swastika on car.
Tesla owner confronts alleged vandal who scratched swastika onto car
Chadd Ritenbaugh, a Pennsylvania man, filmed himself apologizing after allegedly scratching a swastika onto a Tesla.
The incident occurred outside a Planet Fitness in Doylestown.
The 55-year-old faced multiple charges after being confronted by the Tesla owner. The confrontation was captured on camera, where Ritenbaugh issued a groveling apology.
The Tesla owner discovered the damage when they returned home. Upon inspection, they found scratches in the shape of a swastika on the side of the car.
The vehicle’s camera footage revealed a man parking next to the Tesla around 9:30 a.m. on March 24. The man then appeared to glance around and crouch down to vandalize the car.
How police tracked down the suspect
The suspect went to the gym after the incident. Police later identified Ritenbaugh through his Planet Fitness membership.
The footage showed him scanning in at the gym. This led authorities to arrest him for criminal mischief, harassment, and disorderly conduct.
The confrontation between the tesla owner and the suspect
Before his arrest, Ritenbaugh was confronted by the Tesla owner. The owner repeatedly asked if Ritenbaugh had used a key to carve the swastika into the car.
Ritenbaugh meekly apologized, saying, “I’m sorry, I have nothing against your car, and I have nothing against you.” He added, “Obviously, I have something against Elon Musk.”
At one point, Ritenbaugh denied using a key. He claimed he used a crayon instead, blaming his actions on being “misguided.”
Social media reaction
The video showed a Tesla owner confronting an alleged vandal who scratched a swastika onto the car. It was shared on X and sparked outrage among viewers
While many critismed vandal as waste , other also suggested that he should prise for his stupid action.
One person said: Jail time and large civil suit for damages. This should be the way.
A second wrotye: Good! Every one of these people who get caught should be sued civilly for as much as possible. They need to feel the consequences of their actions.
While a third commented: Hope his employer and family see him and know what kind of person he truly is.
Another added: Anyone keying any car should be in jail! Only lowlives touch other people’s cars!!
Someone else said: The folks drawing swastis all over are calling us Nazis? Wtf?!?
This incident is part of a broader trend of vandalism targeting Tesla owners and dealerships.
Many of these attacks appear to be linked to Elon Musk’s political involvement. People believe this incident involves Musk’s role as a cost-cutter with the Department of Environmental Efficiency.