Florida man accused of driving onto curb, 'almost striking' protestors outside Tesla dealership: police

A Florida man has been arrested after allegedly driving his vehicle into a crowd of protestors outside a West Palm Beach Tesla dealership on Saturday. 44-year-old Andrew Dutil was charged with one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent.

In a Monday court appearance, a judge ordered Dutil to be held without bail, per the Palm Beach Post.  He is currently being held in Palm Beach County Jail.

Around 100 people gathered outside the Tesla dealership on Saturday as part of a series of protests planned by the Democratic Progressive Caucus of Palm Beach County. This comes as Tesla dealerships, charging stations, and vehicles have been targeted in recent weeks with violent attacks and acts of vandalism. 

Two women told investigators that they were protesting peacefully outside the dealership when a black Nissan SUV drove past them, with the occupant yelling at the protestors. The driver then went onto the curb, causing the women to jump out of the way.

Dutil’s Nissan was reportedly found by deputies in front of the dealership with people surrounding it. He was instructed to move the vehicle. One employee at the dealership said that Dutil walked inside, said he supports Tesla, and walked out. 

Police said they received "numerous calls" about the vehicles driving up onto the curb "almost striking multiple pedestrians," per ABC News. Dutil was transported to jail "without incident."

Karen Holland, one of the protestors who said she saw Dutil drive by earlier yelling, said that when Dutil allegedly drove onto the curb she was "in fear for her life and believed she was going to get struck by the vehicle."