News Summary
A University of Massachusetts Boston student has been arrested for allegedly firebombing a Tesla dealership during spring break. The incident involved throwing a Molotov cocktail, causing substantial damage. The student, Owen McIntire, faces federal charges and made his initial court appearance. The FBI, ATF, and local police are investigating the case, which has drawn significant public attention. As investigations continue, authorities aim to uncover the motivations behind this violent act and its legal implications.
Kansas City, Missouri – A 19-year-old University of Massachusetts Boston student named Owen McIntire has been arrested for the alleged firebombing of a Tesla dealership during his spring break. The incident occurred on March 17, 2025, when McIntire is accused of throwing a Molotov cocktail, which ignited vehicles at the dealership, resulting in substantial damages.
McIntire, who resides in Kansas City, was arrested by FBI agents and escorted by university police after being identified as the suspect. He made his initial court appearance in U.S. District Court in Massachusetts on April 18, facing federal charges including unlawful possession of an unregistered destructive device and malicious damage by fire to property used in interstate commerce.
The firebombing took place at approximately 11 p.m. when a Kansas City police officer noticed smoke billowing from a Tesla Cybertruck parked at the dealership. Upon investigation, the officer discovered a Molotov cocktail made from an apple cider vinegar bottle and a rag situated next to the burning vehicle. Despite the officer’s efforts to extinguish the flames with a fire extinguisher, the fire spread to the Cybertruck and caused damage to two vehicles and two charging stations. The total estimated damages amount to $313,020, with each Cybertruck valued approximately at $106,485 and $107,485, while the charging stations were valued at around $550 each.
McIntire returned to Kansas City from Boston for spring break on March 16 and was later tracked using his vehicle and cell phone records to a family address in Parkville, Missouri. Investigators identified him through witness accounts and surveillance footage from the dealership, which captured him dressed in dark, flowing clothing and wearing a large-brimmed hat. The footage revealed him parking his vehicle in front of a nearby house before walking to the dealership to carry out the attack, followed by his return to the car to flee the scene.
The incident has garnered significant attention, prompting a joint investigation by the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the Kansas City police. U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi has stated that those involved in such violent acts will face prosecution and severe consequences. Acting ATF Director Dan Driscoll condemned the act as a “violent criminal act” and reiterated the commitment to maintaining public safety.
UMass Boston has chosen not to comment on the specifics of the incident but has indicated that it will provide support resources for students who may be concerned or have questions following the arrest of McIntire. As the investigation continues, more information may be revealed regarding the motivations behind this drastic act and the potential legal ramifications for McIntire.
The case represents a significant intersection of activities leading to serious legal consequences for disorderly conduct and property destruction. As investigations advance, both national and local agencies seek to understand the full scope of the incident and address any underlying issues that may have contributed to the violent act.
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Additional Resources
- KSHB News
- Wikipedia: Molotov cocktail
- Fox 4 KC
- Google Search: Kansas City Tesla firebombing
- Kansas City Star
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Arson
- ABC News
- Google News: UMass Boston firebombing
- USA Today
- Google Scholar: Arson laws
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BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
