Four people are face misdemeanor charges after they were accused of damaging a man's Tesla by throwing a pineapple at it in West Chester Township.
Two 18-year-olds and a 17-year-old are being charged with vehicular vandalism and complicity, according to West Chester Township officials. Another 18-year-old is being charged with complicity.
At 11 p.m. Oct. 1, West Chester police responded to a report from a driver that a pineapple had been thrown from a vehicle, striking and significantly damaging the front windshield of his Tesla Model Y, according to a township spokesperson.
Officers were also aware of other reports from the evening of Oct. 1 involving objects being thrown from vehicles.
Tesla camera footage helped police identify the suspects'
vehicle, a gray Chevrolet Traverse, and the occupants accused of throwing the pineapple.
After finding a vehicle that matched the description, officers stopped the car to continue the investigation and ultimately charged the four individuals.
"The charges demonstrate that everyone involved in this type of activity can potentially face criminal charges," a news release from the township states, "even if they are not the person who physically throws the object."
West Chester Police are aware of other instances of people throwing items from their cars at other cars. The release states the department is working with other law enforcement agencies on additional investigations.
"Something that may appear funny or harmless online can have devastating consequences," said Police Chief Brian Rebholz. "Throwing anything at a moving vehicle can seriously injure or kill someone. A few seconds of bad judgement can change lives forever. Think before you act."
Police ask anyone who has experienced a similar incident, even if the damage was minor, to report it. Those reports can help investigators identify patterns and determine whether incidents may be connected.
To report a crime, residents can call the West Chester Police Department's non-emergency dispatch line at 513-777-2231.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: 4 charged after thrown pineapple leads to Tesla windshield damage in West Chester
