Tesla Driver Faces Charges in Shocking Incident

Metrovae Berry Simes was arrested on April 23, 2025. The incident surrounding his arrest has garnered local attention.

Maricopa police utilized license plate-reading technology to connect a red Tesla to a theft at a local Circle K. Days after the incident, they located Simes, the driver from California, at Walmart.

On April 18, officers responded to reports of shoplifting at the Circle K located at John Wayne Parkway and Bowlin Road. According to a probable cause statement, the 40-year-old Simes allegedly stole three bottles of alcohol and fled the scene in his Tesla Model 3. Surveillance footage clearly captured the theft.

Although police traced the vehicle to a nearby casino, Simes was initially untraceable. Public records suggest his most recent address is in Los Angeles County, California.

On Wednesday, Flock license plate cameras flagged the Tesla again at Walmart. Prior to this, officers had observed Simes driving around Maricopa using local traffic cameras.

When Simes exited the store, authorities detained him. He reportedly admitted to the theft, explaining he was experiencing difficulties in his personal life, particularly concerning his children and girlfriend.

Following his arrest, Simes was booked into the Pinal County Jail on a shoplifting charge. He now faces a potential sentence of up to six months in jail.