LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – The man accused of shooting Tesla vehicles and lighting them on fire in Las Vegas made his first federal court appearance Thursday afternoon.
36-year-old Paul Kim was arrested Wednesday and booked on 10 felony charges and five misdemeanors, including arson and unlawful possession of a firearm.
Kim did not appear for an initial appearance in Las Vegas Justice Court as previously scheduled.
RELATED: Suspect arrested in ‘targeted attack’ at Las Vegas Tesla collision center
FBI Special Agent In-Charge Spencer Evans announced at a press conference Thursday that federal agents have filed charges against Kim.
Previously, the Trump administration had said it would federally charge those who tamper with Tesla vehicles.
Over a week ago, Kim was allegedly caught on camera setting fire to Teslas at a collision center near Jones Boulevard and Badura Avenue. The fire was contained to two Teslas while three other vehicles were damaged by the nearby flames.
During an investigation, detectives determined that Molotov cocktails and a .30 caliber AR-style firearm. Kim was also seen on surveillance spray painting “RESIST” on the front of the building.
A criminal complaint also revealed that Kim attempted to report that his vehicle had been stolen three hours before the crime. Police later approached him at the Venetian, where he claimed his tired had been slashed. Police also learned he had plane tickets to Phoenix to “speak with his lawyer” and one for Milwaukee on Thursday morning.
When police began asking about the Tesla center attack, Kim refused to answer further questions.
Kim is due back in federal court Friday afternoon.
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