A Dallas man whose Tesla Model X was vandalized in the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport parking lot is suing the vandal for more than $1 million.

The suspect, Rafael Hernandez, was arrested March 22 on a criminal mischief charge by the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office after he was recorded by the Tesla’s built-in cameras striking the left side of the electric-powered vehicle.

The victim, who is choosing to remain anonymous, was traveling when his Tesla was damaged in the airport parking lot. In the footage obtained by Fox, Hernandez can be seen pulling an object out of his pocket and forcing it into the side of the Model X. 

The Tesla owner told Fox News Digital in an exclusive interview that the “motives were wrong, and [Hernandez’s] acts were intentional — it is for a judge and jury to decide, based on the facts, what his punishment should be. I believe strongly that I was targeted because my car is a Tesla. I didn’t even realize that this nationwide Tesla attack was even a thing — until I was thrown into that world. What’s important to me is that it happened, it was intentional, and it was wrong. As a result, I’ve been thrown into a nightmare, and I don’t want this to happen to anyone else.”

ELON MUSK TORCHES DEMOCRATS FOR BEING ‘REAL VILLAINS’ OF TESLA VANDALISM, BLAMES LEFT-WING PROPAGANDA

Fox News Digital reached out to the attorney representing Hernandez, but he could not be reached for comment. 

The lawsuit filed by the victim outlines “Individual owners of Tesla vehicles, like Plaintiff, are being targeted and victimized by ongoing criminal conduct and action. This has culminated in the ‘Tesla Takedown’ movement, where certain activists are urging consumers to divest from Tesla products and are organizing protests and other activities that are explicitly or implicitly urging physical damage and/or violence against Tesla owners and/or their Tesla vehicles. Plaintiff recently became a target and victim of this criminal conduct and action.”

One outspoken voice of the “Tesla Takedown” movement, Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, told attendees at a virtual rally earlier this month that the Department of Government Efficiency head and Tesla founder Elon Musk must be “taken down.”

VANDAL STRIKES CYBERTRUCK, TESLA OWNER HITS BACK

The victim’s attorney, Majed Nachawati, right, spoke with Fox News Digital about the incident. (Fox News)

On Saturday, demonstrators gathered at more than 500 Tesla locations worldwide in a “Global Day of Action” to protest the Musk-founded car company. 

In an interview, Majed Nachawati, the attorney representing the Dallas-based Tesla owner in the lawsuit, told Fox News Digital that owning a car shouldn’t be political. “Whether you’re a Republican or a Democrat, this is a free country. You’re entitled to drive whatever you want, as long as it’s legal and within the confines of the law, and you should feel safe and secure in doing so, which, in my opinion, is why the authorities on the law enforcement side are taking these cases very seriously.” 

WATCH THE INTERVIEW WITH THE ATTORNEY:

Nachawati went on to explain the importance of consequences for those vandalizing the vehicles, saying “It’s a slippery slope, where does it end? Right? Fortunately, you know, my client’s car was keyed. He wasn’t injured himself, and he wasn’t in the vehicle. But others haven’t been so lucky, and so if this continues, you know, it’s a fine line between having a civil society and chaos.”

MAN ARRESTED IN MOLOTOV COCKTAIL ATTACK AT TESLA SHOP IN LAS VEGAS WILL ALSO FACE FEDERAL CHARGES

FBI Director Kash Patel, who recently launched a task force to crack down on violent attacks against the car brand, warned Tesla dealerships and owners to “exercise vigilance and look out for suspicious activity” ahead of this past weekend’s widespread protests.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Fox News Digital reached out to the Tarrant County District Attorney’s office, but they could not be reached for comment.

One man is charged with arson after allegedly lighting his apartment on fire, causing damage to seven others, according to the Dallas Fire Department.

First responders were called to reports of a building fire at noon on Sunday at the two-story Koko Apartments on 2209 Empire Central Drive.

Officials said responders saw smoke from the apartment complex and extinguished a fire discovered on the second floor.

According to the Dallas FD, while fire damage was limited to the original apartment, seven other apartments sustained smoke and water damage. Four residents were displaced and moved to temporary apartments within the same complex.

Officials said investigators discovered the fire was intentionally set by 51-year-old Zerick Jones, a Koko Apartment resident.

Jones suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries after jumping from his apartment window and was taken to a local hospital.

Authorities did not release what evidence led to Jones’ arrest or his potential motive.

He is charged with felony arson, intended to damage a habitat or place of worship, and has a bond of $25,000.

It’s unclear if Jones has legal representation at this time.

The Dallas Cowboys will enter April with a number of positions of need remaining on the roster, but there is still time to dip into the NFL free agency pool to find some answers before bringing in a new group of talented players in the NFL Draft.

When speaking to the media on Sunday afternoon ahead of the NFL’s annual league meetings in Florida, Cowboys COO Stephen Jones shed some light on the team’s plans for the coming weeks.

Jones made it clear that the team is not done making moves, and their search for a much-needed backup quarterback could come sooner than anyone thinks.

MORE: Cowboys still looking at trade options, considering ‘several things’

According to Jones, adding a veteran quarterback in free agency is “still an option.”

One interesting option for the Cowboys would be Desmond Ridder, who despite the early struggles in his career could benefit from a fresh start. The team rolled the dice on Trey Lance, and while that didn’t work out, Ridder could be a low-risk option while also adding a quarterback.

MORE: Dallas Cowboys named in NFL-altering trade idea for 4-time All-Pro

Another option is a player like Jeff Driskel, who brings the added threat of the run.

Whether the Cowboys add a quarterback before the draft remains to be seen, but even if they do, the team is still expected to add a signal-caller in the NFL Draft.

The 2025 NFL Draft will be held in Green Bay, Wisconsin, with the first round on Thursday, April 24. Rounds 2 and 3 will be held on Friday, April 25, while the final rounds will play out on Saturday, April 26.

— Enjoy free coverage of the Cowboys from Dallas Cowboys on SI —

Cowboys fill major need with two-time All-American in new mock draft

Cowboys LB DeMarvion Overshown teases upcoming number change?

Dallas Cowboys named in NFL-altering trade idea for 4-time All-Pro

Cowboys could reunite with best available linebacker in free agency

Meet Sophy Laufer: Star of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Netflix documentary