Loveland, CO - On March 7th, 2025, just after midnight, Loveland Police Officers were dispatched to a report of an arson at 1606 North Lincoln Avenue, the local Tesla dealership. The preliminary investigation indicates the arson started from an incendiary device near the building, which caught fire between two vehicles, putting several occupants inside Tesla at risk. Our responding officer quickly extinguished the fire, preventing extensive damage, noting the strong odor of gasoline. The Tesla building and several vehicles were also damaged by what appears to be thrown rocks.
Similar incidents occurred on January 29th, February 2nd, February 7th, and then on February 24th of this year. The February 24th incident yielded an arrest of 40-year-old Lucy Grace Nelson, who was recently released on a personal recognizance (PR) bond from federal charges. As of now, last night’s incident does not appear to be connected to Nelson.
In an interview concerning Nelson’s federal release, Chief Doran stated, “I couldn’t be more disappointed with a criminal justice system that would release an individual on a PR bond who placed incendiary devices at a Loveland business. This decision is not just troubling for our community but reflects a broader problem faced nationwide. It’s incredibly challenging to keep our citizens safe from copycat behavior when there are no repercussions to lawlessness.”
Currently, our Criminal Investigations Division is gathering evidence from this incident, while continuing our partnership with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Updates will follow, as are available.
It is possible others in the area may have witnessed suspicious activity during the time frame of this crime. Anyone with information regarding this incident or the others is asked to call the Loveland Police Department Tip Line at (970) 962-2032 or Larimer County Crime Stoppers at (970) 221-6868.
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The purpose of this news release is to provide timely information to the public. The details contained in this release are based on preliminary information available at the time of drafting. The Loveland Police Department's understanding of this incident may change as additional evidence is collected, analyzed, and reviewed.
