Tesla owner locks carjacker inside vehicle using remote app to help cops nab him

  • The owner of the Tesla Model 3 sedan managed to lock the carjacker inside with the help of a remote app before police arrived.
The Tesla Model 3 owner used the app to turn off the ignition key and lock up the suspect inside the car. (File photo) (REUTERS)
The Tesla Model 3 owner used the app to turn off the ignition key and lock up the suspect inside the car. (File photo)

In-car technologies or connected cars through apps are increasingly becoming popular not only because of convenience but also due to some of the security features they offer. Tesla is one of the pioneering carmakers to have implemented almost every kind of latest technologies, including autonomous driving, in its fleet of vehicles.

Recently one such incident has proved how critical some of these features could be for the car owners.

In California, United States, on such owner was quick on his feet to use Tesla app to fend off a suspected carjacker. The Barstow Police Department reported the incident saying the Tesla Model 3 owner used the technology to not only prevent the crime, but also help them nab the suspect.

Also check these Vehicles

Find more Cars
Tesla Model 3 (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
BatteryCapacity Icon82kWh Range Icon 555 km
₹ 70 - 90 Lakhs
Alert Me When Launched
Tesla Model S (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
BatteryCapacity Icon75 kWh Range Icon396 km
₹70 Lakhs - 1 Cr
Alert Me When Launched
Hero Electric Ae-3 (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
BatteryCapacity Icon3 kWh Range Icon100 Km
₹ 1.50 Lakhs
Alert Me When Launched
Byd Atto 3 (HT Auto photo)
BatteryCapacity Icon60.48 kWh Range Icon521 km
₹ 33.90 Lakhs
Compare
Bmw 3 Series (HT Auto photo)
Engine Icon2998.0 cc FuelType IconMultiple
₹ 42.30 - 62.90 Lakhs
Compare
View Offers
Bmw 3 Series Gran Limousine (HT Auto photo)
Engine Icon1998.0 cc FuelType IconMultiple
₹ 57.90 - 59.50 Lakhs
Compare
View Offers

Unfortunately the 21-year-old suspect had picked the wrong vehicle to steal. As he scared off the owner sitting in his Tesla Model 3 and tried to take control, the owner used the app to turn off the ignition key and lock him up inside the car.

The cops took to social media to post the incident which took place on May 8. The post reads, "On May 8, 2020, at approximately 10:20 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 400 block of East Fredricks Street regarding a vehicle theft in progress. The reporting party stated that while he was sitting inside his Tesla T3 vehicle, a subject opened the driver’s side door and began screaming at him to get out of the car. The subject made the victim get out of his vehicle and then attempted to steal it. The victim stated that he was able to use his cellular phone to turn the vehicle’s engine off and lock the subject inside of the vehicle. As officers arrived on scene, they observed a subject, later identified as Charlie Smith, in the driver’s seat of the vehicle. Officers made contact with Smith and placed him under arrest. When officers placed Smith under arrest, they observed that he was sweating profusely and was twitching and blinking his eyes rapidly. Smith’s behavior was also erratic and combative. Smith was placed under arrest for carjacking and being under the influence of a controlled substance."

Tesla cars are known around the world to be one of the safest and that is not just during accidents but even against incidents of being stolen. That reputation hardly stopped thieves from trying to steal the electric cars.

Also Read : Top-10 most stolen cars in the US

One such incident was reported earlier this month when a group of thieves tried to run away with three Tesla cars from a showroom in Virginia. However, they were intercepted by the police.

Tesla cars have built a reputation over the past several years of preventing unauthorised entry or driving. With cameras all around vehicles and with features like Sentry Mode that blast out alarms, these vehicles are quite safe even when left charging by owners at public stations. When still stolen, it is reported that most are recovered due to advanced tracking system inside which are nearly impossible to either remove or hack into.

(With inputs from agencies)


Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape.

First Published Date: 14 May 2020, 15:55 PM IST
NEXT ARTICLE BEGINS

Check Latest Offers

Please provide your details to get Personalized Offers

Choose city
+91 | Choose city
Choose city
Select a dealer

Want to get the best price for your existing car?

Powered by: Spinny Logo
By clicking "View Offers" you Agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy
Dear Name

Please verify your mobile number.

+91 | Choose city
Couldn't verify the OTP.
It's either expired or it's incorrect.